In the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt, a gas explosion at a refilling shop resulted in 18 individuals sustaining severe injuries, according to the Rivers State Police Command. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening and caused significant damage to nearby structures. This event is part of a series of similar incidents involving gas and Improvised Explosive Devices in the state since 2024.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the details of the explosion. The explosion was triggered by a technician repairing a refrigerator using a gas cylinder for welding and simultaneously refilling gas into the appliance. Fortunately, no fatalities were recorded, but 18 people, including the technician, suffered injuries of varying degrees, primarily burns. The injured individuals were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
The police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident and pledged to release their findings to the public. An eyewitness named Tamuno described the explosion as devastating, mentioning that among the victims were a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple. The blast set off a chain reaction, causing additional gas cylinders in the shop to explode. Many of the injured were quickly transported to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt for medical attention, with hopes for their swift recovery.