by Nurat Uthman
One person has been reported dead while several others were injured in an explosion that rocked the Sapele metropolis in Delta State on Tuesday evening.
The incident occurred at a dumpsite along Mission Road, where scavengers typically store scrap materials.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the explosion had stemmed from an improvised explosive device inadvertently brought to the site by one of the scavengers.
One of the eyewitnesses said “The explosion has left the area in shock and mourning as the individual killed had his body severely impacted by the blast.
Also, no fewer than two others, including individuals residing near the dumpsite, reportedly sustained critical injuries but are currently receiving medical treatment.
A senior police officer who spoke under condition of anonymity, as he was not authorized to address journalists, said, “The blast may have been triggered by a scavenger unknowingly handling a hazardous item.”
He added, “It’s possible they mistook it for scrap metal. Our initial suspicion is that it might have been a gas or fire extinguisher cylinder”, the officer further said noting that more details would come to light as the investigation unfolds.
Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, hasn’t commented on the incident.
