An explosion which occurred at the Plateau Water Board treatment plant in Jos the Plateau State capital early yesterday morning has left at least eight people dead while several others were injured.

It was learnt that over 100 persons living within the premises have been hospitalised as a result of excess inhalation of chlorine oozing out from the scene of the explosion

Initially, the explosion which shook buildings around the area was thought to be a bomb but was later discovered to be chlorine which went off in one of the chemical plants within the premises of the board located along Murtala Muhammadu Way

State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Emmanuel Abuh, confirmed the incident to journalists in Jos yesterday.

He said the incident was as a result of chlorine explosion from a treatment plant at Water Board.

Abu said the treatment plant had been cordoned off while management of the plant has been advised to take necessary precautionary steps.

He said a number of persons had been injured in the explosion and were presently receiving treatment at the Plateau Specialist Hospital.

“Our anti-bomb squad took control of the area and they evacuated the affected persons to the hospital. Sadly, five persons died in the hospital while others are receiving treatment,” said the Police spokesperson

Meanwhile, Governor Simon Lalong has described as unfortunate the explosion from the Chlorine tank of the Plateau State Water Board Treatment plant while sympathising with the families of eight victims who lost their lives as a result of the excess Chlorine Inhalation from the explosion.

While wishing the over one hundred and one affected persons of the Chlorine inhalation living within the treatment plant, currently receiving treatment at OLA Hospital, Evangel Hospital (Jankwano), Plateau Specialist Hospital and Air force Military Hospital, a quick recovery, the governor assured the public that government has already contained the situation and further added that the contamination has not affected the water which has been supplied to the public through the main water pipes and it safe for human consumption.

The Governor who spoke via a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Nanle, also said immediate measure has been put in place to address the issue of expired components of the Treatment Plant which will guard against future reoccurrence of the incidence.