By Ovat Abeng
One person has been confirmed dead, five others critical injured in a gas cylinder explosion at Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the incident in a statement in Awka on Saturday, said the incident happened on the 16th May, 2025.
He said, “the Police Operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on the 16th of May 2025 complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion at a plumbing market, along Uga Street which regrettably recorded one death.
Preliminary information revealed that the welding gas cylinder exploded as the welder was working on a metal due to exposure to excess heat. Meanwhile, the six rescued victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital while the deceased has been deposited in a morgue.
To this end, the Police Operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.
Further to this, the State Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu concerned about the unfortunate incident, has provided some safety tips to prevent such from reoccurring.
The tips include regular inspection and maintenance of the gas cylinder equipment, ensuring that the gas cylinders are stored securely and that the equipment is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines.