Two killed, three injured in gas cylinder explosion in Lira garage

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1439 EAT on Monday 12 October 2026

Two mechanics were killed and three other people injured after a gas cylinder exploded at a motorcycle garage in Ireda Central Park, Lira City, in northern Uganda.

The victims were identified as James Okabo and another man known only as Daniel. Police said efforts were underway to establish the identities of the three injured people.

Police said the explosion occurred at around 6pm on Saturday, October 10, while the mechanics were repairing a motorcycle using a gas cylinder.

The blast occurred in the middle of a busy market, with several members of the public nearby, raising concerns that the incident could have resulted in more casualties.

Police said the explosion was severe, leaving one of the victims with injuries that resulted in the dismemberment of parts of his body, while the other sustained serious head injuries.

A fragment from the exploded cylinder reportedly struck a stationary white trailer, registration number UA 732DX, damaging its front bumper and windscreen.

A team led by the Lira City East Divisional Police Commander, accompanied by officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Scene of Crime Office (SOCO), visited the scene and recorded statements from witnesses.

The bodies were taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examinations, while the injured were rushed to the same facility for treatment.

Police recovered the wreckage of two motorcycles from the scene and transferred it to the Lira City East Division for further examination.

Okema said investigations were underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion, establish the identities of the deceased and identify the injured. The findings of postmortem examinations are also expected to inform the ongoing investigations.

-Observer

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