Police verify 18 injured in gasoline explosion in Port Harcourt

The Police Command in Rivers has stated that 18 individuals have been severely injured in a gasoline explosion which occurred in Oroazi neighborhood in Port Harcourt.

The incident occurred in Sunday night at a gasoline refilling store, inflicting important injury to close by buildings.

The most recent explosion follows a collection of gasoline and Improvised Explosive Machine (IED) incidents recorded within the state since 2024.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the incident throughout an interview with the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

In accordance with her, sure, I can verify that the explosion was attributable to a welder repairing a fridge.

‘’The technician was utilizing a gasoline cylinder to weld whereas concurrently making an attempt to refill gasoline on the fridge which led to the explosion.

“No fewer than 18 individuals, together with the technician, sustained accidents however luckily, no lives have been misplaced,” she added.

Iringe-Koko acknowledged that these injured suffered various levels of burns and have been promptly evacuated to the hospital the place they’re receiving therapy.

She additionally confirmed that the police have launched a full investigation into the incident and would share their findings with the general public.

An eyewitness, recognized as Tamuno, described the incident as devastating, noting that the victims included a pregnant lady, 4 youngsters, and a pair.

“The explosion triggered a series response with different gasoline cylinders within the store additionally exploding.

“A lot of the victims have been residents and passers-by who sadly occurred to be close to the store on the time,” he stated.

He added that lots of the victims have been rushed to the Rivers State Educating Hospital in Port Harcourt and expressed hope for his or her survival. (NAN)