Lira City gas cylinder explosion kills two mechanics

Two mechanics, identified as Okabo James and a man known only as Daniel, were killed in a gas cylinder explosion in Lira City on October 10, 2026. The incident occurred around 6:00 pm at a garage in the Ireda Central Park Cell, located within a busy market area in the Lira City East Division.

Preliminary police investigations suggest the explosion happened while the men were using a gas cylinder to repair a motorcycle. The blast killed both mechanics instantly and injured three other people nearby. One of the deceased reportedly sustained dismemberment, while the other suffered severe head injuries. A fragment from the cylinder also struck a stationary white trailer, damaging its bumper and windscreen.

The deceased were taken to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examinations, and the three injured individuals were also evacuated to the same facility for treatment. Police have opened a case file for ‘Death by Explosion’ and are continuing inquiries to determine the exact cause of the blast.