The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that at least 18 persons were severely injured in a gas explosion that occurred in Oroazi community, Port Harcourt, the state capital.
The incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, 5 January, 2025 at a gas refilling shop, causing significant damage to nearby buildings.
The latest explosion follows a series of gas and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents recorded in the state since 2024.
The command’s Public relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, 6 January, 2025
“Yes, I can confirm that the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator.”
“The technician was using a gas cylinder to weld while simultaneously trying to refill gas in the refrigerator, which led to the explosion.”
“No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries, but fortunately, no lives were lost,” she added.
The state police image-maker added that those injured suffered varying degrees of burns and were promptly evacuated to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
Iringe-Koko also confirmed that the police have launched a full investigation into the incident and would share their findings with the public.
An eyewitness, identified as Tamuno, described the incident as devastating, noting that the victims included a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple.
“The explosion triggered a chain reaction, with other gas cylinders in the shop also exploding.
“Most of the victims were residents and passers-by who unfortunately happened to be near the shop at the time,” he said.
He added that many of the victims were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt and expressed hope for their survival.
