At least five persons have been confirmed dead and others injured following a chemical explosion at the Plateau Water Board treatment plant around the British America junction in Jos the Plateau State capital.

ViewPointNigeria gathered that the explosion occurred around 3:45 am on Saturday raising alarm that it may have been another bomb explosion.

However, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Emmanuel Abu on Saturday morning dismissed the insinuations saying the loud sound was as a result of chlorine explosion from a treatment plant not a bomb explosion.

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

He said a number of persons were 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.

However, a member of the Police anti-bomb squad had also told our correspondent that at least seven persons were killed in the explosion.

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5 Dead in Jos Chemical Explosion