One person has been confirmed dead and six others injured following a gas cylinder explosion at a plumbing market along Uga Street, near the Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the explosion occurred on Friday while a welder was working on metal using carbide.
“Police operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Headquarters, on 16 May 2025, supported rescue efforts by well-meaning individuals to assist six victims of a gas cylinder explosion at the plumbing market on Uga Street. Regrettably, the incident resulted in one fatality,” the statement read.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the welding gas cylinder exploded due to excessive heat while the welder was working.
The six injured individuals are currently receiving treatment in hospital, while the deceased has been taken to the mortuary.
The police have since secured the area to prevent opportunistic crimes in the aftermath of the explosion.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed concern over the tragic event and urged residents to regularly inspect and maintain gas equipment, store gas cylinders safely, and adhere strictly to manufacturers’ usage and safety instructions.