A gas explosion in the Big Tree area of Orazi, Port Harcourt, on Sunday afternoon has left over 20 people, including children, severely burned.
Many of the victims are currently receiving urgent medical treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.
Eyewitnesses reported a sudden blast in the area, which was quickly followed by a fire. Firefighters responded to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze, but not before numerous individuals were injured.
The cause of the explosion is yet to be confirmed, though an anonymous relative of some victims revealed that the gas retailer at the site had been conducting welding activities, which may have contributed to the blast.
One relative shared their distress, explaining that their in-law and her family were among those affected by the explosion.
“I received the news of the incident with shock, as my family members were just passing by when the explosion occurred. The gas shop owner had been welding without following proper safety protocols, which led to this disaster,” the relative lamented.
Though several victims were severely burned, none have been reported dead at the time of writing.
The explosion also primarily affected passersby in the area. All injured persons were quickly taken to the hospital for emergency care.
In another incident, a tragic auto crash on Friday night in the Elelenwo area of Port Harcourt claimed two lives.
Three victims were rushed to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, where two were confirmed dead, and one woman is currently in critical condition in the ICU.
The accident occurred when the car collided with a stationary truck late at night.
