An eyewitness, identified simply as Tamuno, has said that a pregnant woman, children were among the victims of the gas explosion that rocked Oroazi community in Port Harcourt in Rivers state on Sunday, describing the incident as devastating.
Tamuno specifically noted that the victims included a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple.
He said while speaking to news men, “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 added that many of the victims were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt and expressed hope for their survival.
The Rivers Police Command while confirming the incident said that 18 persons were severely injured.
The gas explosion occurred Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, causing significant damage to nearby buildings.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, spoke to 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 on 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 those injured suffered varying degrees of burns and were promptly evacuated to the hospital where they are receiving treatment.
She also confirmed that the police have launched a full investigation into the incident and would share their findings with the public.
The latest explosion follows a series of gas and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents recorded in the state since 2024. (With Agency Report)
