One dead, six injured in Onitsha gas explosion

Tragedy struck at the popular Head Bridge Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, on Friday following a gas explosion that claimed the life of one person and left six others with varying degrees of injuries.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.
According to the statement, the explosion occurred at the plumbing section of the market located along Uga Street.
Ikenga explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the blast was triggered when a welding gas cylinder exploded while a welder was working on a metal, reportedly due to exposure to excessive heat.
He said: “The police operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on May 16 complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion.”
“The incident took place at a plumbing market, along Uga Street, which regrettably recorded one death,” he added.
He further disclosed that the six injured victims are currently receiving medical attention in a hospital, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at a morgue.
In a bid to forestall a breakdown of law and order, Ikenga said police operatives had cordoned off the area and taken measures to prevent miscreants from exploiting the situation.
The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, while reacting to the incident, expressed concern over the unfortunate development and emphasised the need for regular inspection and proper maintenance of gas equipment.
Orutugu warned against unsafe handling of gas cylinders and called on traders and artisans to strictly adhere to manufacturers’ guidelines and safety standards in order to prevent a recurrence.
He assured that the command would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure safety in markets and other public spaces across the state.