TWO persons have died following an explosion along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, prompting the police to launch an investigation into the cause of the incident.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Imo State Police Command identified the victims as suspected scrap metal scavengers who were inside a large drainage channel when the explosion occurred on Thursday night.
The police said the incident happened at about 9:15 p.m. inside a drainage channel opposite Lakeside Hotel, triggering the immediate deployment of operatives and personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to the scene.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, noting that the area was immediately cordoned off, thoroughly searched and subsequently declared safe after security checks.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu, a native of Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu, from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
The command described the deceased as suspected scrap metal scavengers, stating that both men were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred.
Police said the victims sustained severe burns in the blast and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
“The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement read.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, reassured residents that the situation was under control, stressing that there was no cause for panic as the affected area had been secured.
The police commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines as investigations continue into the fatal explosion.
