Nnewi Explosion: Death Toll Rises To Eight - Police

Contrary to initial media reports that about
100 people lost their lives in the deadly
explosion that rocked a gas plant in Nnewi, in
Anambra state, the Nigeria Police Force has
revealed that only eight people lost their
lives.
Reports credited to the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) have it that the Police Public
Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, DSP Ali
Okechukwu on Friday, December 25, informed
that eight persons died from the inferno,
adding that two bodies, a mother and her
baby, were later recovered at a nearby
building.
A scene from the explosion which took place
on Thursday, December 24 in Nnewi, Anambra
state. About eight people reportedly lost their
lives.
While regarding the initial report as “alarming
and misleading” , the police chief said: “After
the incident, six persons were confirmed dead
outside the perimeter fencing of the company.
“Two other bodies of a woman and her child
were later found dead in an adjourning building.
“Six other persons who were seriously injured
were also rushed to the University Teaching
Hospital Nnewi, and later referred to the
hospital in Enugu.”
On what led to the explosion, Okechukwu
said it may have occurred at a time when
domestic gas was being dispensed to
customers, “I think there was disconnect which
led to the explosion,” explaining further that
investigation was still ongoing to ascertain
the exact cause of the explosion.
The acting director of the state’s Fire Service,
Innocent Mbonu, who confirmed the report,
stated that although some nearby buildings
were affected, six persons died before the
service came.
He said: “Tentative report says the fire, which
was extinguished after a fierce battle, was
caused by domestic gas explosion which
distributed fire to some buildings around.”