A gas explosion in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt has left 18 people injured, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at a gas refilling station, causing significant damage to nearby buildings.
This explosion adds to the growing list of gas-related accidents and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents that have troubled the state since 2024, raising alarm over public safety concerns.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the number of casualties while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. “Yes, I can confirm that the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator,” she stated.
She explained that the technician was simultaneously welding and refilling gas on the refrigerator, which resulted in the explosion. “No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” Iringe-Koko added.
The injured victims suffered burns of varying degrees and were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment. The police have also launched an investigation into the incident and promised to share their findings with the public.
An eyewitness, identified as Tamuno, described the chaotic scene, noting that the victims included a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple. “The explosion triggered a chain reaction, causing other gas cylinders in the shop to explode,” he said.
Tamuno further explained that most of the victims were either residents or passers-by who were unfortunately close to the shop when the explosion occurred.
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