A gas explosion at the Plumbing Market along Uga Street near the Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State has claimed at least two lives and left several others injured. The tragic incident occurred on Friday, May 16, 2025, sending waves of panic across one of the busiest commercial hubs in the region.
According to eyewitnesses and local authorities, the explosion happened while a welder was working with metal and carbide in the plumbing section of the market. The welding gas cylinder reportedly overheated and exploded, resulting in a deadly blast that ripped through the immediate vicinity.
The powerful explosion led to chaos as traders, customers, and passers-by fled the area in fear, abandoning their shops and merchandise in a desperate bid to reach safety.
Eyewitnesses Recount the Harrowing Aftermath of the Gas Explosion
One of the market leaders, Uzomah Eke, who spoke with our correspondent on Saturday, described the incident as horrifying. “Two persons died yesterday (Friday) in our market at the plumbing section of the Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, due to a cylinder explosion,” Eke recounted.
He further explained that the welder was using carbide for metalwork when the gas cylinder exploded unexpectedly. “It was a real scene of horror—body parts of the victims were scattered all over the floor. People panicked, ran for their lives, and abandoned their goods. Some traders couldn’t even lock up their shops in the rush,” he said.
Eke added that the explosion caused significant damage to goods and property in the vicinity. “Some stalls and items were destroyed in the blast, but thanks to good-spirited individuals in the market, injured victims were quickly rushed to nearby hospitals. These quick interventions also helped prevent further casualties and damage,” he said.
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Police Confirm Gas Explosion, Secure Area
Though the Anambra State Fire Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, was unable to confirm the incident at the time of contact, the Anambra State Police Command has officially verified the tragedy.
Speaking on Saturday, police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that officers from the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters responded swiftly to the scene. “Police operatives complemented the rescue efforts initiated by members of the public, aiding the six victims of the gas cylinder explosion. Sadly, one person was confirmed dead on arrival, while others are undergoing treatment in a hospital,” Ikenga said.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed the gas explosion occurred due to excessive heat exposure during welding. “The gas cylinder exploded while the welder was using it on metalwork, leading to this unfortunate event,” Ikenga added.
He emphasized that law enforcement personnel have since secured the market area to prevent opportunistic criminals from taking advantage of the chaos. “Our officers are stationed at the site to maintain order and prevent looting or any form of criminal activity,” he said.
CP Issues Safety Guidelines Following Gas Explosion
In response to the deadly incident, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed concern over the safety standards observed in local markets and workshops. He stressed the need for traders and artisans to follow proper safety protocols when handling gas cylinders and other flammable materials.
The Commissioner provided a set of safety guidelines to help prevent future tragedies involving gas explosions:
Regular inspection and maintenance of all gas-related equipment. Proper storage of gas cylinders in well-ventilated, secure areas. Strict adherence to manufacturer’s instructions when using welding tools and gas cylinders. Training for artisans and technicians in safe handling and emergency response. Immediate reporting of gas leaks or equipment faults to the relevant authorities.
CP Orutugu urged all market leaders to take these precautions seriously and called for workshops and awareness campaigns to educate workers on the dangers of improper gas cylinder usage.
The Onitsha community remains in shock following the gas explosion, with many residents expressing deep concern about the safety of local markets. The victims, including the deceased whose body has been deposited in a morgue, have been identified by family members. Loved ones of the injured are currently keeping vigil at hospitals, hoping for full recoveries.
This latest gas explosion highlights the pressing need for safety reforms in public workspaces, particularly in densely populated commercial areas where large crowds and combustible materials intersect daily.
As investigations continue and survivors recover, the tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the catastrophic risks posed by mishandled gas equipment and the importance of rigorous safety practices in preventing future loss of life.
Source- PUNCH