Kehinde Fajobi
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people were injured in a gas explosion on Sunday evening in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the explosion occurred at a gas refilling shop when a technician working on a refrigerator caused a spark.
“Yes, I can confirm that the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator,” Iringe-Koko said.
“The technician was using a gas cylinder to weld while simultaneously trying to refill gas on the refrigerator, which led to the explosion.”
She added, “No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries, but fortunately, no lives were lost.”
The injured, including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple, suffered varying degrees of burns and were rushed to the hospital for treatment.
According to NAN, an eyewitness Tamuno described the scene as devastating.
“The explosion triggered a chain reaction with other gas cylinders in the shop also exploding,” he said.
“Most of the victims were residents and passersby who unfortunately happened to be near the shop at the time.”
He noted that many of the victims were taken to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt, expressing hope for their recovery.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident and assured the public that findings will be disclosed once available.