Photo: a victim receiving treatment in a hospital
By Deborah Sunday
The death toll from the gas explosion at the Oroazi area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State has reached five persons after a further three victims were confirmed dead on Monday.
Official sources said three of the latest victims died on Sunday night.
Two fatalities were reported on Monday from the explosion, which occurred on Saturday at a gas refilling station, where a welder was operating.
Some 25 individuals were reportedly affected, many of whom were passers-by caught in the blaze.
In response to the disaster, Chijioke Ihunwo, Chairman of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, has banned gas retailing in residential areas within the jurisdiction.
Ihunwo announced the measure during a visit to Sonabel Hospital, where some victims are being treated.
The local government chairman also revealed the establishment of a task force to ensure compliance with the new regulations, while appealing to leaders of Community Development Committees (CDCs) and youth organizations to assist in spreading awareness to prevent future occurrences.
During his visit, Ihunwo expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, pledging that the council would cover the medical expenses of those affected.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, visited survivors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Old GRA, Port Harcourt, to offer his condolences.
He noted that the Area Commander for the Oroazi community had also visited victims in other hospitals. The Commissioner emphasized the importance of gas safety and urged residents to report any unsafe practices related to gas refilling operations that could put lives at risk.
Dr. Chizindu Alikor, Chief Medical Director of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, confirmed that 16 people, including 12 adults and four children, were admitted on January 4, 2025, following the explosion.
He expressed gratitude for the support from the Rivers State Government and the Commissioner for Health, ensuring that the hospital was making every effort to stabilize the patients.
Dr Alikor revealed that two individuals—one adult and one child—had succumbed to their injuries, but assured the public that the hospital was continuing to provide the best care possible to those still in critical condition.
