8 dead in gas explosion in Algeria

By Hassan Jibril

ALGIERS, Algeria (AA) – Eight people were killed and six others injured in a gas explosion in eastern Algeria on Tuesday, according to the country’s civil protection service.

The explosion occurred inside a building in the town of Ain Oulmene in Setif province, followed by a fire that spread to several houses.

A statement by the civil protection service said six people sustained various burns and were evacuated to the town's government hospital.

Rescue and evacuation operations are still ongoing.

The Algerian Sonelgaz Electricity and Gas Company said the incident took place inside a perfume-making workshop.

Videos circulated on social platforms showed flames raging in several houses, followed by a series of explosions, amid a state of panic among residents.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat