Gas explosion rips off a Pelandaba West house roof

A Pelandaba West house in Bulawayo whose occupants were illegally selling gas had it’s roof ripped off today when one of the gas cylinders exploded, with a 29 year old female sustaining burns on her body in the process.

The fire, at House Number 1238 was concentrated in the lounge of the four roomed house.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Mr Mhlangano Moyo said his crew arrived at the scene just after midmorning and were met with blazing fires with one of the gas tanks, still leaking.

“They were selling gas inside the house, something which is unheard of as it puts the community at risk. The Brigade found a 2kg , 5kg, 48kg tanks and a scale. A female adult aged 29 years sustained burns and was conveyed to hospital by private motor vehicle,” said Mr Moyo.

He said upon arrival, they found a 48 kg gas pipe leaking and the roof already ripped off.

“The Brigade closed the leaking gas attached to the 48kg cylinder that was still issuing gas. A high pressure hose reel with breathing apparatus stage one was put into operation. The fire was confined to one room,” said Mr Moyo.

He said the value of property was ZiG250 000 and an estimated value of property worth ZiG40 000 was lost while estimated value of property saved is ZiG210 000.

“This is gross negligence which is not permissible. We have engaged the Zimbabwe energy regulatory Authority (Ezra) and the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) to confiscate the cylinders,” he said.