By Ike Uchechukwu

CALABAR—A mother of four, Grace Akaninyen Jacob, yesterday, lost her life in Calabar, Cross River State, as a result of kerosene explosion, with her 20-year-old son sustaining severe burnt.

It was gathered that the 45-year-old indigene of Afua in Ibiono council of Akwa Ibom State, died while trying to light a lantern.

The incident, which Vanguard gathered occurred at 6 Ikang Ita, off Akim Road in Calabar Municipality Council, threw the entire area into mourning.

Speaking on the tragic incident, the deceased’s eldest son, Emmanuel Jacob, said the demise of their mother has exposed their family to what he described as “an unforgettable and terrible experience.”

Emmanuel said when their mother returned home that fateful evening, she noticed there was no kerosene in the house and then sent one of his siblings to buy a gallon of kerosene.

His story: “When my younger brother bought the kerosene, my mother measured it and poured it into the lantern.

“It was while trying to light the lantern that it exploded with her and my younger brother severely burnt.

“We rushed her to the clinic and she started responding to treatment, but after few hours she gave up the ghost and her body has since been deposited at the General Hospital’s mortuary.”

Recall that Vanguard had earlier reported that there was adulterated kerosene in circulation in Cross River State.

About 12 incidents of kerosene explosions have been recorded in the state since February.