One person has lost their life, and six others sustained injuries following a gas cylinder explosion at the plumbing market on Uga Street, near the Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the explosion occurred on Friday while a welder was using carbide to work on metal.
“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.”
Six victims rescued from the incident are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in a morgue.
To this end, police said their 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 CP Ikioye Orutugu, concerned about the unfortunate incident, advised residents to imbibe 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.