A gas explosion occurred on Tuesday morning at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company, a Chinese firm located in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State. The blast, reportedly triggered by a faulty gas valve, caused widespread damage within the facility and left multiple casualties in its wake.
According to Maureen Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer for the Abia State Police Command, the incident resulted in two fatalities and over 10 injuries.
The command was informed of the incident by the Chinese firm’s Chief Security Officer on Tuesday.
Dike Briggs Nwankwo, Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, recounted his immediate response to the incident, suspending all official engagements to visit the scene. Upon arrival, he witnessed the devastation firsthand, describing how the explosion had “completely ripped apart the roof” of the affected section.
Initial reports on social media claimed that up to 20 people had lost their lives in the blast. However, Nwankwo confirmed that a review of CCTV footage by the factory’s management and local authorities revealed that the explosion occurred while a customer was handling a gas cylinder valve. He stated that 12 people were affected, with two fatalities and 10 injuries. The injured are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Port Harcourt and are reportedly responding well to treatment.