A gas explosion in the Orazi axis of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has left at least 20 people critically injured, including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple. The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon near the densely populated “Big Tree” area of Orazi, sending shockwaves through the community and causing widespread panic.
Details of the Explosion
The explosion took place at a gas refilling shop when a technician, who had been working on a faulty gas cylinder, was caught in the blast. The initial explosion affected multiple cylinders inside the shop, triggering a chain reaction of blasts. The welder working on the cylinders was reportedly the first victim.
The resulting fire spread to surrounding buildings, forcing many residents to flee their homes. Firefighters struggled to bring the inferno under control, further escalating the situation. Victims, including residents and passers-by, were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for treatment. Many of the injured suffered severe burns.
Victims’ Accounts and Hospitalization Costs
A relative of one of the victims shared a heartbreaking account of the incident, expressing the shock and distress the family endured. He revealed that his in-law and her husband were among those injured and had already spent over N500,000 on medical expenses.
He described the incident: “I was just called in the evening about the incident because my sister-in-law and her husband are involved. When my wife picked the call, her countenance changed immediately. I lost my appetite and immediately drove to the hospital.”
The relative explained that the technician involved in the incident often engaged in welding work on gas cylinders without following the proper safety procedures, which may have contributed to the explosion. “Sometimes you will see him welding perforated cylinders without following the normal procedure… Maybe he feels that because the cylinder is empty, you can carry out any work, but it is not done that way.”
Community Impact and Call for Government Assistance
Another source, who reported the incident to a local radio station, confirmed that a pregnant woman was also among the injured. He described the explosion as causing a massive fire, which also burned nearby houses. “About 20 people were burnt, but no death. Let the government come to their aid because this is the beginning of the year,” the source pleaded.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
The police spokesperson for the state, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, noting that 18 people were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the hospital. She further clarified that the explosion occurred when a technician, who was repairing a fridge, was handling a gas cylinder. The technician himself was injured in the blast.
Iringe-Koko described the incident as sad and assured that an investigation had been launched to determine the exact cause of the explosion. She also confirmed that no lives were lost in the explosion, and the injured victims are receiving medical care.
The community and authorities have called for more stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future, especially in areas with high residential and commercial activity.
