Two killed, 77 injured by blast in Nigerian city

Damaged cars and buildings after the explosion. Pic/AP

Two people died and 77 others were injured after a massive blast rocked more than a dozen buildings in one of Nigeria's largest cities on Tuesday night, the governor said, as rescue workers dug through the rubble in search of those feared trapped.

Residents in the southwestern state of Oyo's densely populated Ibadan city heard a loud blast at about 7.45 pm, causing panic as many fled their homes. By Wednesday morning, the area was cordoned off while medical personnel and ambulances were on standby as rescue efforts intensified.

Preliminary investigations showed the blast was caused by explosives stored for use in illegal mining, Oyo Gov. Seyi Makinde said.

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