By Sophia Afolabi
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the death of one person in a gas explosion that occurred at the Plumbing Market on Uga Street, Anambra State.
The incident, which took place on Friday, reportedly happened while a welder was working with carbide, resulting in a sudden blast that caused panic among residents and traders in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion injured six other individuals and triggered widespread chaos as people scrambled for safety.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Saturday, said the injured victims have been taken to a medical facility for treatment, while the body of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue.
Ikenga also disclosed that security operatives have been deployed to the scene to secure the area and prevent possible looting by criminal elements.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder exposed to excessive heat.
“To this end, police operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes,” Ikenga said.
