The Territorial Police in North Kyoga Region, at Lira City East Division, are investigating a fatal gas cylinder explosion that claimed the lives of two mechanics and left three other people injured at Ireda Central Park Cell, Lira City, on 10 October 2026 at approximately 1800 hours.
The deceased have been identified as Okabo James and another person identified only as Daniel, both adult males who worked as mechanics. The particulars of the three injured persons have not yet been established.
Preliminary findings indicate that the two deceased persons were repairing a motorcycle at their garage using a gas cylinder when it suddenly exploded. The explosion killed both mechanics instantly and injured three people who were nearby. The incident occurred in a busy market area where several members of the public were present.
The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examinations, while the injured persons were evacuated to the same facility for medical treatment. The wreckage of the two motorcycles involved was taken to Lira City East Division Police for further management. The incident was also recorded in the CITRAS system.
Further examination of the scene revealed that one of the deceased persons sustained injuries so severe that parts of his body were dismembered, while the other suffered severe head injuries. A fragment from the exploded gas cylinder reportedly struck a nearby stationary white trailer, registration number UA 732DX, damaging its front bumper and windscreen.
A case file of Death by Explosion (D.E.F.) has been opened, and investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the explosion, identify the injured persons, verify the particulars of the deceased, and obtain the postmortem examination results.
We extend our condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased and wish the injured persons a quick recovery. Members of the public are urged to exercise extreme caution when handling gas cylinders and other pressurised equipment, particularly during repair work, and to ensure that such work is undertaken by competent personnel under appropriate safety conditions.
SP OKEMA Patrick
POLICE SPOKESPERSON
NORTH KYOGA REGION
