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Fungai Lupande-Mash Central Bureau 

Five people were injured, one of them seriously after a Liquefied Petroleum (LP) gas tank they were using malfunctioned and exploded at a house in Brockdale, Bindura.

Prejudice Mungoti (18) sustained serious burn wounds and is currently admitted to Bindura Hospital. Nigel John, Hamilton Mutove, and Fortunate Nangashoti were among those treated and discharged. 

Narrating the incident, Tanatswa Chimanikire said they were preparing food for a surprise birthday party together with a family friend, Prejudice.

She said there was a fire outside while food was also being prepared on an electric stove and LP gas. The gas tank was filled up for the function but gas stove plate malfunctioned. They took out the gas tank and tried to repair it three metres away from an open fire.

“We were failing to switch off the gas stove and we decided to try and fix it outside,” she said.

“Some boys whom we had invited offered to assist with the repairs. They tried to close the gas tank, but the gas continued to leak.

“We thought we were closing the gas when in fact we were opening it. Since the gas tank was full, the gas leak become more pronounced.”

She said people were oblivious of the open fire and a big flame was ignited.

There was chaos as people ran in all directions.

Patience Musindo said the house owner had gone away with their children for a photoshoot when the incident happened.

“When I arrived the 18-year-old girl was unconscious and people had to carry her into a commuter omnibus so that they could take her to hospital,” she said.

“I could not look at her because the burns were severe. I am filled with fear whenever I am using gas for cooking.

“With load shedding, gas is commonly used in households but it is dangerous if it is not properly handled.”

Environmental education and publicist Mr Maxwell Mupotsa confirmed the incident.

He said five people were injured and the incident was caused by exposure of the gas to a naked flame outside the house.

He added that occupants of the house were trying to fix the cylinder which was not functioning well, resulting in the blast.

“This incident is not the first in the province. Last year two different cases in Shamva and Mazowe at SAS Mine resulted in explosions and casualties,” said Mr Mupotsa.

“The agency has seen the influx of LP gas operators in the province some licenced by EMA and Zera while others are bogus and non-compliant.”

Me Mupotsa said they have initiated a Clean City blitz which is ongoing in conjunction with ZRP and local authorities to pin down illegal LP gas operators. 

He said the gas incident is an indication that people are not handling LP gas in a recommended manner as it is classified as a hazardous substance that is highly flammable, thus the need to be highly cautious. 

“The agency, together with ZERA, has been partnering in raising awareness on the need to service gas tanks against leaks and also to buy LP gas from recommended licenced retailers or outlets,” he said.

“Of concern lately is how children are let to light or operate very dangerous gas stoves. Caution is also to be exercised on the ventilation, proximity of gas tank in the house to flammable material or reagents and ensure all times there are no leakages.”

Mr Mupotsa said there were reports that people were taking condemned gas tanks from hospitals and other facilities and repainting them to look new deceiving the public.

He urged people to make sure they check cylinder material data factsheets and brands from the supplier.

“The issue of explosions and gases does not only affect domestic users. The agency is worried about the number of cars getting burnt along the roadside which we suspect that besides electrical faults, aircon gas refilled by bogus suppliers could be the cause.

“As we get into the summer season, temperatures are high and we encourage people to put their gas tanks outside their homes where there is proper ventilation under the lock and key in the cage.”