- The command confirmed that the police have launched a full investigation into the incident and would share their findings with the public
A gas explosion in Oroazi community, Port Harcourt, left 18 people severely injured, according to the Rivers Police Command.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, causing substantial damage to nearby buildings.
This explosion is the latest in a series of gas and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents in the state since 2024.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
According to her, “Yes, I can confirm that the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator.”
“The technician was using a gas cylinder to weld while simultaneously trying to refill gas in the refrigerator, which led to the explosion.”
“No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries, but fortunately, no lives were lost,” she added.
Iringe-Koko stated that the injured victims suffered varying degrees of burns and were quickly evacuated to the hospital for treatment.
The police have launched a full investigation into the incident and will share their findings with the public.
An eyewitness, Tamuno, described the incident as devastating, noting that the victims included a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple.
“The explosion triggered a chain reaction, with other gas cylinders in the shop also exploding. Most of the victims were residents and passers-by who unfortunately happened to be near the shop at the time,” he said.
Many victims were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt, with hopes for their survival.
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