Devastating Gas Cylinder Explosion Jolts Onitsha Plumbing Market, Leaves One Dead and Six Injured

 

A quiet Friday afternoon in Onitsha turned chaotic on May 16, 2025, after a violent explosion erupted at a bustling plumbing market situated along Uga Street, near the prominent Onitsha Head Bridge. The incident, traced to an overheated welding gas cylinder, resulted in the death of one individual and inflicted injuries on six others.

Eyewitnesses described a thunderous bang that shook nearby structures, causing panic among traders and passersby. Within minutes, the area, usually alive with the clatter of tools and the voices of craftsmen, transformed into a scene of destruction and confusion.

Prompt intervention by law enforcement and concerned civilians helped prevent the catastrophe from escalating further. Officers from the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters arrived swiftly, working hand-in-hand with local bystanders to pull the wounded from the debris. The six victims, suffering varying degrees of burns and trauma, were rushed to a nearby medical facility where they are now receiving treatment. Tragically, one person succumbed to injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after. Their body has since been taken to the morgue.

Initial investigations suggest the explosion was triggered when the welding gas cylinder was subjected to excessive heat, leading to a buildup of pressure and eventual detonation. Markets like the one on Uga Street often see heavy use of flammable gases, especially in plumbing and welding operations, making such environments high-risk zones when safety protocols are not strictly followed.

Speaking on behalf of the Anambra State Police Command, Public Relations Officer DSP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that the situation has been stabilized. He commended the courage of nearby residents and traders who assisted the wounded before emergency responders arrived. “Our operatives have cordoned off the affected area to forestall opportunistic crimes and maintain public safety,” he stated. “Efforts are ongoing to fully assess the damage and determine whether any safety violations contributed to the incident.”

As investigations continue, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has used the opportunity to educate the public on the need for vigilance and adherence to safety standards. In a public advisory released shortly after the explosion, he emphasized the importance of conducting regular checks on gas cylinder equipment, ensuring proper storage away from heat sources, and strictly following manufacturer instructions.

Markets and industrial workspaces, especially those involving combustible materials, face heightened risks when safety measures are treated as optional. CP Orutugu’s message serves as a wake-up call not only to technicians and market operators but to the broader public. “Lives can be saved through basic precautions,” the statement read. “Regular maintenance of equipment, situational awareness, and a safety-first mindset are crucial in preventing avoidable tragedies.”

The police have also encouraged community members to report any suspicious or unsafe practices to nearby authorities to prevent future occurrences.

This incident is a stark reminder of the inherent dangers in mishandling industrial gases and the ripple effect it can have on communities. As Onitsha mourns the life lost, attention now turns toward healing and re-evaluating existing safety protocols within its busy marketplaces.

Local authorities have vowed to continue monitoring compliance with safety regulations and may consider launching awareness campaigns across markets and construction zones in Anambra State. Meanwhile, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured and the completion of investigations to uncover the exact sequence of events leading to the explosion.

Uga Street, usually known for its commercial energy and entrepreneurial drive, now stands somber—a symbol of how quickly a normal day can turn into tragedy when caution is cast aside.