LIRA (UGNEWSLINE) – Two mechanics have been killed and three other people injured after a gas cylinder exploded at a garage in Ireda Central Park Cell, Lira City, in northern Uganda.
The explosion occurred at approximately 6pm on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the two mechanics were reportedly repairing a motorcycle using a gas cylinder.
The blast killed both men instantly and injured three people who were nearby in the busy market area.
North Kyoga Region police spokesperson, Patrick Okema said police had opened an investigation into the incident to establish the exact cause of the explosion and identify the injured victims.
The deceased have been identified as James Okabo and another man known only as Daniel, while the identities of the three injured people had not yet been established.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the mechanics were working on a motorcycle at their garage when the gas cylinder suddenly exploded, sending debris flying into the surrounding area.
The force of the explosion reportedly left one of the deceased with injuries so severe that parts of his body were dismembered, while the other sustained severe head injuries.
A fragment from the exploded cylinder also struck a stationary white trailer, registration number UA 732DX, damaging its front bumper and windscreen.
The bodies of the deceased were taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examinations, while the injured were rushed to the same facility for treatment.
The wreckage of the two motorcycles involved in the incident was taken to Lira City East Division Police for further management.
Police have since opened a case file of death by explosion as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the blast, verify the particulars of the deceased, identify the injured victims and obtain postmortem examination results.
Okema expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased and wished the injured a quick recovery.
He also urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution when handling gas cylinders and other pressurised equipment, particularly during repair work, stressing the importance of ensuring that such tasks are carried out by competent personnel under appropriate safety conditions.
