Metro News
Many feared dead, others injured as gas explosion rocks Rivers – Police confirms report
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people sustained severe injuries following a gas explosion in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt on Sunday evening.
The explosion, which occurred at a gas refilling shop, also caused extensive damage to nearby buildings.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the explosion resulted from a welding activity.
“Yes, I can confirm that the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator,” she said.
‘’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.
An eyewitness, identified as 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 passersby who unfortunately happened to be near the shop at the time,” he said.
He added that many of the victims were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt and expressed hope for their survival. (NAN)