Police in the North Kyoga Region are investigating a fatal gas cylinder explosion that claimed the lives of two mechanics and injured three other people.

The incident occurred at Ireda Central Park Cell, Lira City, on October 10, 2026, at approximately 6pm.

According to SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police PRO, the deceased have been identified as Okabo James and another individual only identified as Daniel.

Further particulars of the injured persons are yet to be established.

SP Okema said preliminary findings indicate the deceased persons were repairing a motorcycle at their garage using a gas cylinder when it exploded, killing them instantly and injuring three other people who were nearby.

The incident occurred in the middle of the market area, where members of the public were present.

Omara Martin, 42, a Local Defence Secretary of Ireda Central Park Cell and a resident of the same area, immediately reported the incident.

Following the incident, Okema added that a police team led by the DPC, Lira City East Division, comprising the OC CID, CI and SOCO, with support from the Lira Central Police Station team, visited the scene.

Statements were obtained from relevant witnesses.

The bodies of the deceased were conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for postmortem examination, while the injured persons were evacuated to the same facility for treatment.

The wreckage of the two motorcycles was taken to Lira City East Division for further management, and the incident was entered into the CITRAS system.

More findings at the scene revealed that one of the deceased persons sustained injuries resulting in the dismemberment of parts of his body, while the other sustained severe head injuries.

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

A case file of GEF was opened, and inquiries are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the explosion, identify the injured persons, verify the particulars of the deceased, and obtain postmortem examination results.