A gas cylinder explosion rocked the bustling plumbing market along Uga Street, near the popular Onitsha Bridge Head Market, on Friday, claiming the life of one person and leaving six others with varying degrees of injuries.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement released Saturday by its spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the release, the explosion occurred during welding work involving metal and carbide, which reportedly triggered the blast due to extreme heat exposure.
“On May 16th, 2025, police operatives from the Onitsha Head Bridge Division assisted in the rescue efforts, joining forces with well-meaning individuals at the scene,” Ikenga stated. “Tragically, one person was confirmed dead, while six others were rescued and are currently receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.”
The remains of the deceased have since been deposited at a morgue.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident was caused by a welding gas cylinder that overheated while the welder was working on metal components.
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In the wake of the incident, security has been reinforced in the affected area to forestall any opportunistic criminal activity.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has also called on residents and business operators to adhere strictly to safety protocols when handling gas cylinders and related equipment.
He urged regular checks and maintenance of welding tools, proper storage of gas cylinders, and compliance with manufacturer safety guidelines to avoid similar tragedies.
The explosion sent shockwaves through the densely populated market, with eyewitnesses describing scenes of panic and chaos as traders and customers fled in different directions.
While calm has since returned to the area, the incident has raised fresh concerns over safety compliance in local markets and workshops across the state.