The Rivers State police have confirmed that 18 people were injured in a gas explosion that occurred in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt. The explosion took place on Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop, causing extensive damage to surrounding buildings.

This incident is part of a troubling series of gas and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosions that have occurred in the state since 2024. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson, confirmed the explosion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.

Iringe-Koko explained that the explosion was caused by a welder working on a refrigerator. The technician, who was using a gas cylinder to weld while simultaneously refilling the fridge with gas, accidentally triggered the blast. She confirmed that no fatalities occurred, but at least 18 people, including the technician, suffered injuries, ranging from burns to other wounds. The injured were quickly taken to a hospital for treatment.

An eyewitness named Tamuno described the scene as catastrophic. Among the injured were a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple. The explosion caused a chain reaction, triggering other gas cylinders in the shop to detonate. Many of the victims were residents or passers-by who happened to be near the shop when the explosion occurred. They were rushed to the Rivers State Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt, where their conditions are being monitored.

The police have launched a full investigation into the incident and will provide updates as they continue their inquiries.