Rivers Gas Explosion Shocks Community: Pregnant Woman and Children Injured
A gas explosion in the Orazi area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has resulted in over 20 individuals sustaining severe injuries. Among the victims are a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon near a densely populated area known as ‘Big Tree,’ causing panic among residents and passersby.
The explosion took place at a gas refilling shop when a technician, attempting to repair a faulty cylinder, inadvertently triggered the blast.
This led to a chain reaction, igniting other cylinders within the shop and starting a fire. Several victims sustained severe burns and were immediately rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident, stating that 18 injured persons are receiving medical attention.
She described the incident as sad and stated that a welder was carrying petrol to refill the fridge while repairing it. The police have commenced an investigation to find out more.
This incident has reignited concerns about the safety of gas refilling shops in densely populated areas. The community is calling for swift justice and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.