Police authorities in Rivers State have confirmed that 18 individuals sustained severe injuries following a gas explosion in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, caused extensive damage to nearby properties.
The explosion is the latest in a series of gas-related and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) incidents reported in the state since 2024. Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers State Police spokesperson, verified the details during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
She stated, “The explosion was triggered by a welder who was simultaneously repairing a refrigerator and refilling gas using a gas cylinder. This action caused the blast.
“No fewer than 18 people, including the technician, sustained injuries, but there were no fatalities,” she confirmed.
Mrs. Iringe-Koko, a superintendent of police, noted that the injured victims, who suffered varying degrees of burns, were quickly taken to a hospital for medical care. She further revealed that a comprehensive investigation has been initiated, with findings to be disclosed to the public.
An eyewitness, identified as Tamuno, described the explosion as devastating. He reported that the victims included a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple.
“The explosion set off other gas cylinders in the shop, compounding the damage. Most victims were residents and passers-by caught near the shop during the incident,” Tamuno explained. He added that many of the injured were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital, expressing optimism about their recovery.
