18-yr-old recounts harrowing experience in Rivers gas explosion

One of the victims of the Orazi gas explosion in Rivers State has explained his ordeal, saying he escaped death by a whisker because it was their shop that got blown up.

The Guardian visited the private hospital in Orazi, where three of the gas explosion victims were receiving treatment.

Speaking to one of the victims, who gave his name simply as Chimezie, a young boy around 18 years old, he said he was inside the shop when the gas exploded and threw him out.

He said his boss, who is the owner of the gas retailing shop and whose name he gave as David, was working when the explosion occurred, adding that the next thing they heard was a loud sound and fire.

With visible signs of excruciating pain, Chimezie recounted his harrowing experience, explaining that one of the patients, whom the *Guardian* noticed being bandaged inside the ward, was the POS operator who had come to conduct a transaction before the explosion.

When asked about the whereabouts of his boss, he said his boss was transferred to UPTH due to the severity of the impact.

He said: “My boss was transferred to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) because of the severity of his injuries.

“I was inside the shop when it happened. My boss, David, was working, and then there was a loud sound and fire everywhere.

“His 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 in the Orazi area are currently receiving treatment at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

When asked about the number of casualties so far, she noted that some of the victims are in more critical condition than others. However, the hospital’s highly specialized burns unit is providing expert, advanced-level care.

She said: “There are 16 survivors being managed. They were carried immediately from the scene of the incident to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital.

“And so far, some are in more critical condition than others, but they are all receiving care and treatment in our facility.”

However, sources said two people have lost their lives. A resident of the community, Innocent Israel, recounted the horrific scene.

He said: “I think that should be on Saturday towards 2 to 3 pm. I was in my compound, and I heard a loud noise. Suddenly, I saw fire all over the place. Some people were injured; some are in the hospital taking treatment. Thank God for the fire service that came earlier to calm the situation.

“For now, we counted about 20-something persons. The ones I saw—I do not know if it is more than that. One child is dead already.”

Another eyewitness, Evidence Uzoma, said: “It was on Saturday around 2 pm. A 50kg cylinder burst, and the whole place caught fire. People got injured.

“Even as of yesterday morning, the small girl of the owner of the shop here died in the hospital. Even the man himself, we heard, has died. My neighbour’s salesgirl is in critical condition.”

The gas explosion, which occurred a couple of days ago, resulted in numerous impacts, with many suffering from varying degrees of burns.

They said the explosion was caused by one of the shop owners doing welding work while simultaneously refilling gas, leading to a chain reaction of explosions.

Oreh, who spoke after condoling with the victims, emphasized that the incident highlights the importance of adhering to guidelines on how gas cylinders should be operated, particularly in residential areas.

She noted that the Rivers State Government is working closely with other line ministries, including the Ministry of Special Duties, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of Physical Development and Urban Planning, to streamline the activities of service providers and ensure public safety.

She said: “Now, it brings us to the issue of the gas explosion in the first place: that operation was taking place in a residential area without adherence to guidelines on how gas cylinders that are commercialized should be operated.

“This is definitely beyond the realm of the Ministry of Health, and that emphasizes the fact that we have what we call social determinants of health. And so we work very closely with other line ministries. We have the Ministry of Special Duties, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Power, and the Ministry of Physical Development and Urban Planning. I can assure you that the Rivers State Government, through these various line ministries, is carrying out activities to ensure that we are streamlining the activities of such service providers so that clear guidelines are communicated to them to ensure that the lives and property of people in Rivers State are protected.”

Consequently, the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has 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 unauthorized activities.

According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Honourable Commissioner, Emeka Idika Kalu, 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, the Ministry has mandated its Special Taskforce to embark on a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorized 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 vehicles abandoned on the road beyond a specified time.

This measure, he said, is aimed at preventing traffic congestion and other hazards posed to road users.

Furthermore, Bipi warned that tougher actions will be taken against touts and miscreants posing as officials of the Ministry to harass, intimidate, and extort unsuspecting members of the public.

He said: “The Ministry’s efforts aim to promote a safer, more organized, and beautiful environment for residents and visitors alike.”