Prime suspect in Rivers explosion found, in intensive care

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The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Adaeze Oreh, has announced that the prime suspect in the explosion that rocked Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday has been found.

The suspect was located at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, formerly Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMH).

According to the commissioner, doctors at the hospital informed the state government last night that a patient with injuries consistent with a blast, but presented as a victim of a road traffic accident, had been admitted.

The suspect arrived at the state facility in a semi-conscious state and was quickly taken to the theatre for resuscitation. Dr. Oreh reported that the suspect is now in stable condition.

The hospital premises have been fully secured as the Rivers State Government collaborates with the police to resolve the matter.

The commissioner briefed journalists at the hospital premises in Old GRA, near the Rivers State Government House, after responding to the doctors’ call last night.

Channels Television reported that one person was killed in the explosion. Channels correspondent visited the site, observing faded blood marks and small dents on the concrete curb.

The area, known for its Bureau de Change operators, had witnesses who heard the explosion but were unwilling to speak.

However, one eyewitness, who preferred not to speak on camera, stated that the impact had ripped open the victim’s chest.