One person has been confirmed dead by the Nigerian Police and six others sustained varying degrees of injuries after a gas explosion occurred inside a plumbing market along Uga Street in Anambra State.
The six rescued victims, according to the Anambra Police, are currently receiving treatment in the hospital while the deceased has been deposited in a morgue.
As gathered, the explosion disrupted activities within the market after the traders fled the market to avoid been caught in the web of the explosion with a deafening sound.
It was learnt that the explosion was caused by a welding gas cylinder that was exposed to excess heat, resulting in tragedy that struck the market.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, who confirmed the tragedy on Saturday, said that the issue occurred yesterday in the state.
Orutugu said: “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”.
Meanwhile, the police boss has educated traders on safety tips to adopt in preventing such occurrence from reoccurring in the state.
“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”.
