Two suspected scrap metal scavengers died Thursday night after an explosion ripped through a drainage channel in Owerri, Imo State.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement Friday signed by spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye.
According to the police, the blast happened at about 9:15 p.m. inside a large drainage channel at No. 1 Old Nekede Road, directly opposite Lakeside Hotel in Owerri West LGA.
Police operatives and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were immediately deployed to the scene. The area was cordoned off, swept by the bomb squad, and later declared safe for public use.
Preliminary investigations indicate the victims were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred. They were identified as Hyginus Akalonu, 32, from Umulumu in Ehime Mbano LGA, Imo State, and Victor Egwu, 22, from Agba in Ishielu LGA, Ebonyi State.
Both men sustained severe burn injuries and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were pronounced dead.
“The Command’s 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,” the statement read.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, urged residents not to panic. He advised the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects, packages, or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
