18-year-old victim recounts experience in Rivers gas explosion

One of the recuperating victims of the Saturday gas explosion in Ogazi, Rivers State has recounted how he escaped death by whiskers during the incident. The 18-year-old victim, simply identified as Chimezie, narrated his harrowing experience when The Guardian visited the private hospital where he and two other victims were receiving treatments.

According to him, his boss, who is the owner of the gas retailing shop, whose name he gave as David, was working and the next thing they heard was a loud sound and fire.

Chimezie explained that one of the patients inside the ward was the Point of Sale (POS) operator, who came for transactions before the explosion. When asked about the whereabouts of his boss, he said he has been transferred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) due to the severity of his injuries. He said: “I was inside the shop when it happened. My boss, David, was working, and then there was a loud sound and fire suddenly enveloped everywhere.

“My oga’s body was swollen, and he was critically wounded. We haven’t heard anything about him since he was taken to UPTH.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Health, Rivers State, Dr Adaeze Oreh, confirmed that 16 survivors of the devastating gas explosion are currently receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.She noted that some of the victims were in more critical condition than others, adding that thankfully, the hospital has a highly specialised burns unit providing expert advanced-level care.

However, sources said two people lost their lives in the incident. A resident of the community, Innocent Israel, who recounted the horrific scene, thanked God for the early arrival of fire service officers which calmed down the situation.

“For now, we counted about 20 people affected by the explosion. I do not know if it is more than that. One child is dead already,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development vowed to restore order and sanity in public spaces across the state, following the rampant disregard for laws prohibiting street trading, illegal markets, motor parks, mechanics, and other unauthorised activities.

The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Commissioner, Emeka Idika Kalu, in a statement, said the Commissioner, Evans Bipi, expressed deep concern over the situation, which has become a serious public menace, particularly in Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Eleme, and Oyigbo Local Government Areas.

Bipi warned that these actions not only deface the state but also undermine Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s Urban Renewal Policy aimed at restoring the Garden City status of the state.

To address the situation, he said the Ministry has mandated its Special Task Force to embark on a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorised activities. Bipi warned that the government will enforce the law with utmost severity, and individuals engaging in prohibited acts are advised to desist forthwith.

The Commissioner also announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, will henceforth impound any broken-down or accident vehicle abandoned on the road beyond a specified time.

According to him, the efforts aimed at promoting a safer, more organised, and beautiful environment for residents and visitors alike.