The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the death of two suspected scrap metal scavengers following an explosion inside a drainage channel along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday near No. 1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed in a statement on Friday that the victims sustained severe burn injuries and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

The deceased were identified as Hyginus Akalonu, 32, from Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, and Victor Egwu, 22, from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to Okoye, police operatives responded immediately after receiving a distress report, cordoning off the area and deploying officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to secure and thoroughly sweep the scene.

“The area has since been declared safe,” he said.
He explained that preliminary investigations indicate the victims were inside the drainage channel at the time of the explosion and are believed to have been scavenging for scrap metal.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the two suspects, who were inside the large drainage channel at the time of the explosion, are suspected scrap metal scavengers. They sustained severe burn injuries during the incident and were promptly evacuated to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment,” Okoye said.
The police spokesperson added that the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion.

“The Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, reassured residents that the situation is under control and urged members of the public not to panic.

According to the police commissioner, the affected area has been secured, while residents have been advised to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause of the explosion.