A devastating fire broke out late Thursday night at Gombe State University, destroying the extension block of the female students’ hostel and leaving three students hospitalized. The incident, which occurred around midnight, triggered panic as flames spread rapidly through sections of the residential facility.
Likely Cause of the Fire
Preliminary investigations suggest that a cooking gas explosion caused the blaze. Witnesses reported that the fire started in one of the rooms where students were using a gas cylinder for late-night cooking. Within minutes, flames engulfed adjoining rooms, fueled by mattresses, books, and other flammable items.
Bashir Muazu, Assistant Superintendent of Fire and Public Relations Officer of the Federal Fire Service, Gombe Command, confirmed the incident. He described it as “tragic but avoidable,” stressing that unattended use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains a growing safety concern in student hostels.
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Casualties and Emergency Response
Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded. However, three students sustained burns and smoke inhalation injuries. They were evacuated quickly and are now receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses claimed that the fire raged for nearly an hour before external help arrived. According to one resident, the university’s internal fire response team was either unavailable or unequipped to manage the emergency. “If the school’s fire unit had been active, the damage might have been reduced,” she lamented.
Property Damage
Several personal belongings were destroyed, including clothing, mattresses, books, and electronics. Many students fled with only the clothes they were wearing, while others reportedly spent the night outdoors in fear of further danger.
Calls for Action
Efforts to reach the university’s Public Relations Officer, Hadu Naphtali, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, students and parents are urging the university and state authorities to urgently review safety protocols. They also want firefighting facilities upgraded to prevent future tragedies.
Credit: Allschool, Allcbt
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