One Person Killed, Six Injured In Anambra Market Gas Explosion

A gas cylinder explosion at a plumbing market along Uga Street near the Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State has left one person dead and six others injured.

It was gathered that the incident happened on Friday while a welder was using carbide to work on metal.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the blast occurred after the cylinder overheated and exploded.

“Police Operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on the 16th of May 2025 complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion at a plumbing market, along Uga Street, which regrettably recorded one death.

“Preliminary information revealed that the welding gas cylinder exploded as the welder was working on a metal due to exposure to excess heat,” Ikenga said.

He said those injured were taken to the hospital for treatment, while the body of the deceased has been placed in a morgue.

Police have secured the area to prevent any opportunistic crimes in the aftermath of the explosion.

Reacting to the incident, Commissioner of Police CP Ikioye Orutugu urged the public to regularly inspect and maintain gas cylinders, store them properly, and follow safety instructions when handling such equipment to prevent future tragedies.

KanyiDaily recalls that police recently confirmed that six people lost their lives, and 14 vehicles were destroyed in a fiery explosion near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway in Abuja.