Two dead, several injured as Gas Cylinder explodes in Anambra Market

Tragedy struck on Friday at the Plumbing Market along Uga Street, near the bustling Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, following a gas cylinder explosion that claimed two lives and left several others injured.

The explosion, which occurred during business hours, plunged the busy market into chaos as traders and customers scrambled for safety. Eyewitnesses reported that the blast occurred while a welder was using carbide on a metal piece, causing the gas cylinder to suddenly explode.

Confirming the incident on Saturday, a market leader, Uzomah Eke, stated:
“Two persons died yesterday in our market due to a cylinder explosion. It happened in the plumbing section when a welder using carbide triggered the blast. It killed two people on the spot and injured several others nearby.”

Eke further described the harrowing scene, noting that body parts of the victims were scattered, prompting panic as traders abandoned their shops. He added:
“It was terrifying. Goods and properties were destroyed in the affected area.”

Although the Anambra State Fire Service Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, indicated that he had not yet been briefed on the incident, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the explosion.

Ikenga reported that officers from the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Headquarters swiftly joined residents in the rescue operation. He said:
“Unfortunately, one death was recorded, while six others sustained various degrees of injury and are receiving treatment in hospital. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the morgue.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the welding gas cylinder exploded due to excessive heat exposure. Police have since cordoned off the area to prevent miscreants from taking advantage of the situation.

Expressing his concern, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, urged traders and artisans to prioritise safety. He also issued guidelines on handling gas cylinders, emphasising the importance of regular equipment inspections, proper storage, and strict adherence to manufacturers’ safety instructions to prevent future tragedies.