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The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people sustained severe injuries in a gas explosion that occurred in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt.
The incident happened on Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, causing substantial damage to nearby buildings.
This latest explosion is part of a series of gas and Improvised Explosive Device incidents recorded in the state since 2024.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, verified the incident during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.
According to her, 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 into the refrigerator, which led to the explosion.
“No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries, but fortunately, no lives were lost,” she said.
Iringe-Koko added that the injured victims suffered varying degrees of burns and were promptly taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
She also confirmed that the police have launched a full investigation into the incident and will share their findings with the public.
An eyewitness, identified as Tamuno, described the explosion as devastating, 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.
“Most of the victims were residents and passers-by who, unfortunately, happened to be near the shop at the time,” he explained.
Tamuno added that many of the injured were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt and expressed hope for their recovery.
NAN
