The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that 18 people were severely injured in a gas explosion that occurred on Sunday evening in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt.
The explosion took place at a gas refilling shop, causing significant damage to nearby buildings. The incident was reportedly caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator while simultaneously refilling gas, leading to the blast.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, stated, “No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries, but fortunately, no lives were lost.” She added that the victims suffered varying degrees of burns and were promptly evacuated to the hospital for treatment.
Among the injured were a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple, according to an eyewitness identified as Tamuno. The police have launched an investigation into the incident and pledged to share their findings with the public.
