Man dies as fire extinguisher explodes in his hands

The accident that was confirmed by police happened between 1.15pm and 1.20 pm at Chamboko Cocktail Bar in the city centre.
Police identified the deceased as Devon Gurupira (35) of Athlone.

A witness who spoke on condition of anonymity said Gurupira was busy servicing the popular night spot’s fire extinguishers when they suddenly heard an explosion.
“The next thing I saw was the guy who was servicing the fire extinguishers writhing in pain on the floor. His arm was completely ripped off his body and his intestines were out following the injury,” said the witness.
Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Patrick Chademana said the injured man was ferried to Gweru Provincial Hospital but died a few hours after admission.

He said the accident was possibly caused by the faulty gauge of his instrument which was dysfunctional.
“Gurupira was servicing some fire extinguishers using faulty equipment. He continued to pump the extinguisher when it was already full resulting in the explosion,” said Insp Chademana.

The Midlands police spokesperson said when the police arrived at the hospital, Gurupira was still alive but was heavily bandaged on his stomach.
“The body of the deceased is at Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary,” he said.