BREAKING: Gas Explosion Rocks Port Harcourt, 18 Injured
By Jamil Adewale
A devastating gas explosion occurred in Oroazi community, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday evening, leaving 18 people severely injured. The incident happened at a gas refilling shop, causing significant damage to nearby buildings.
According to the Rivers State Police Command, the explosion was caused by a welder attempting to repair a refrigerator while simultaneously refilling gas, which led to the catastrophic blast.
An eyewitness, Tamuno, described the scene as “devastating,” with victims including a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple. The police have launched a full investigation into the incident and are working to determine the cause of the explosion.
“The technician was using a gas cylinder to weld while simultaneously trying to refill gas on the refrigerator, which led to the explosion,” said SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson.
The NAN reported that 18 injured victims, including the technician, suffered varying degrees of burns and were promptly evacuated to the hospital for treatment. The Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt is providing medical care to the victims.
This incident is the latest in a series of gas and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents recorded in Rivers State since 2024. The police are urging the public to exercise caution and report any suspicious activities to prevent such incidents in the future.
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