Chinedum Elekwachi
One person lost his life while six others sustained varying degrees of injury in a gas explosion in Onitsha, Anambra state.
The incident which occured in a welder’s shop at plumbing market, along Uga street was reportedly caused by excess heat from a gas cylinder.
“The victims were in the welder’s shop when the welding gas cylinder exploded due to exposure to excess heat,” an eye witness said.
Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the incident, describing it as regrettable.
According to him, Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has provided certain safety tips, including regular inspection and maintenance of gas cylinder equipment to avert future reoccurrence.
He said, “Police Operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on the 16th of May 2025 complemented 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 survivors are currently receiving treatment in the hospital while the rescue team deposited the deceased 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 Commissioner of Police, 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..
This is to ensure that the gas cylinders are stored securely and that the equipment is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines.”
This is a tragic incident that highlights the dangers of working with gas cylinders. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the loss of life and the injuries sustained by others. The eyewitness account gives a clear picture of how quickly things can go wrong in such environments. The police’s response and the safety tips provided by the Commissioner of Police are commendable, but it makes me wonder if more could have been done to prevent this in the first place. Are there regular safety inspections in these markets, or is this just a reaction after the fact? It’s crucial that such incidents are not just reported but also used as a lesson to enforce stricter safety measures. What steps are being taken to ensure that welders and other workers are properly trained and equipped to handle such equipment safely? This is a wake-up call for everyone involved in similar industries.
You have made valid points here. Efforts must be initiated to prevent such of lives. The siting of such workshop must consider safety of the public. Thanks for engaging the news story. It is hoped that officials of relevant government agencies will draw a lesson from here for future application.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.