UPDATE: Death Toll in Oro-azi gas explosion rises to Five.

UPDATE: Death Toll in Oro-Azi Gas Explosion Rises to Five as Culprit, Chidi Okeke, Succumbs to Injuries

Port Harcourt, Rivers State – January 15, 2025

The tragic aftermath of the Oro-Azi gas explosion continues to unfold, as it has been confirmed that Chidi Okeke, the individual responsible for the explosion, passed away yesterday at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (BMH). This development brings the total number of fatalities from the devastating incident to five.

The Oro-Azi gas explosion, which initially claimed the life of a young girl on the day of the incident, has since seen the death toll rise. Her father, Ayo, succumbed to his injuries on Monday, January 6, 2025, followed by a critically affected female victim who passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. With the death of Chidi Okeke on January 14, the total number of fatalities now stands at five. Efforts are ongoing to confirm the identities of all the deceased victims.

Reiterating the Importance of Safety Precautions

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and strict adherence to safety protocols when dealing with flammable substances like gas. Safety precautions are not merely procedural but lifesaving measures that cannot be overemphasized.

Authorities and stakeholders in the energy and safety sectors must intensify efforts to educate the public on gas safety. Regular workshops, public campaigns, and community education programs should be prioritized to ensure that individuals handling gas cylinders are equipped with the knowledge needed to avoid such disasters.

Economic and Social Implications of Negligence

Beyond the loss of lives, incidents like this also have far-reaching economic and social implications. Families are left to grieve loved ones, bear unexpected medical expenses, and navigate the financial strain caused by loss of income. Additionally, local businesses often face property damage and reduced economic activity in affected areas.

The Oro-Azi explosion serves as a wake-up call to the government, private sector, and individuals alike to take proactive steps in addressing safety concerns. Ensuring that gas suppliers, distributors, and users operate under strict regulations and periodic inspections can significantly reduce the likelihood of such tragedies.

Call to Action

KUDOS MEDIA continues to call on all residents and stakeholders in Rivers State to prioritize safety consciousness. This is not only a matter of personal responsibility but also a collective effort to prevent further loss of life and property.

Our thoughts remain with the families of the victims during this challenging time. We pledge to keep the public informed as more updates, including the names of the deceased, become available.

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BREAKING: Oro-azi Gas Explosion claims third life; the aftermath of unsafe practices.

Gas Explosion Claims Third Victim as Female Victim Succumbs to Injuries: A Community in Mourning

Port Harcourt, Nigeria – Another heartbreaking update has emerged following the Oro-azi devastating gas explosion of Saturday 4th January 2025, as a young female victim of the tragedy has been confirmed dead. Her death marks the third fatality in this horrific incident, which began with the death of a child on the day of the explosion, followed by Ayo who was not even at the explosion scene as at the time it happened but quickly ran into the burning apartment to rescue his two little children and got seriously burned in the process. His little daughter was the first to pass away on the day of the explosion, then Ayo himself died yesterday Monday 6th January 2025 and was shortly followed by another critically affected female victim who passed away just this morning of Tuesday 7th January 2025. Both victims were confirmed dead at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital popularly known as BMH.

Ayo's son is said to be in a very critical condition at the moment. We hope he survives.

The young woman in the picture shown above, whose image was also featured in earlier reports, succumbed to her injuries at the hospital where she had been battling for her life alongside other victims. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (BMH), her injuries proved fatal.

The explosion, which occurred at a lock-up shop where the owner was dangerously combining welding activities with the refilling of cooking gas cylinders, has left a trail of death and destruction. Several other victims remain hospitalized, some in critical condition, as doctors and Nurses continue to fight to save their lives.

Unsafe Practices Continue to Cost Lives

The tragedy highlights the devastating impact of unsafe practices in handling inflammable materials. The dual operation of welding and gas refilling in a confined space was a ticking time bomb, one that has now claimed the lives of three individuals and endangered the lives of many others.

Authorities and safety experts have repeatedly warned against such hazardous combinations, emphasizing that welding sparks and flammable gases create an extremely volatile environment. Sadly, this tragedy underscores the dangers of ignoring these warnings.

A Call for Action: Lessons to Prevent Future Tragedies

As the community mourns these tragic losses, this incident should serve as a wake-up call for everyone to prioritize safety. The following safety measures are critical:

1. Strict Regulation of Hazardous Businesses: Authorities must ensure that businesses operating with inflammable materials comply with strict safety guidelines. No welding or open flames should ever coexist with gas refilling activities.

2. Proper Zoning and Inspections: Government agencies must enforce zoning laws and conduct routine inspections to prevent unsafe practices, especially in densely populated areas.

3. Community Vigilance: Residents must report unsafe practices in their neighborhoods to prevent tragedies before they occur.

4. Safety Education: Public awareness campaigns on the dangers of improper handling of gas and other inflammable materials should be intensified.

5. Use of Certified Equipment: Only certified and approved gas cylinders and welding equipment should be used, and regular maintenance should be mandatory.

Community Mourning and Responsibility

This tragic incident is a somber reminder of the consequences of negligence and poor safety standards. The loss of a child, Ayo, and now a young woman, leaves their families and the community in profound grief. Their deaths were preventable and should prompt a collective effort to ensure no other lives are lost in such avoidable circumstances.

KUDOS MEDIA extends its deepest condolences to the families of all the victims. As we hope for the recovery of those still receiving treatment, we urge everyone to reflect on the lessons from this tragedy. Let this be the last time that unsafe practices cost innocent lives.

Please share safety tips regularly on your social media platforms and every other platform available to you using #Safetyfirst #Lifehasnoduplicate

Together, we can build a safer community where no life is cut short due to avoidable negligence.

GAS EXPLOSION ROCKS A PIECE OF ORO-AZI, PORT HARCOURT: A serious lesson for all.

Gas Explosion Rocks a Piece of Oro-azi, Port Harcourt: One Child Dead, Many Injured as Unsafe Practices Spark Tragedy

By KUDOS MEDIA

Tragedy struck Oro-azi, Port Harcourt, on the afternoon of Saturday, January 4, 2025, when a devastating gas explosion occurred at approximately 3 PM. The explosion originated from a lockup shop where a man was running a gas refilling business. The incident left multiple people with varying degrees of burns, and a 5-year-old child was confirmed dead as of Sunday morning.

Chronology of the Incident

The explosion reportedly started in a shop somewhere around Big Tree Junction in Oro-azi, where the operator not only refilled gas cylinders but also engaged in welding activities—a dangerous combination that underscores a glaring neglect of safety practices. Witnesses captured harrowing scenes of injured victims being rushed to Harley Clinic, a nearby health facility. However, due to the severity of their burns, Harley Clinic promptly referred them to the Military Hospital in Port Harcourt. The Military Hospital, in turn, transferred them to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, popularly known as Braithwaite Memorial Hospital (BMH), for specialized care.

The picture below shows one of the victims being assisted to get medical attention.

A few victims were taken to Sonabel Clinic, where they are currently receiving treatment, according to reliable sources.

The Culprit's Escape and Arrest

The operator of the gas refilling shop, believed to have caused the explosion through unsafe practices, reportedly fled the scene with his employees. Eyewitness accounts suggest that he escaped through the back door of his shop, jumping over a fence and landing in a neighboring compound. Though he sustained burns from the explosion, his injuries were minor compared to those of his next-door neighbors and other victims.

The man was later apprehended by police officers after presenting himself at a hospital for treatment. Due to the burns on his hands, he could not be handcuffed. Police have taken him into custody for questioning as investigations continue.

The Fallout of Unsafe Practices

The tragedy highlights the grave dangers posed by unsafe practices in gas refilling operations. Combining welding activities with gas storage and refilling is a recipe for disaster, as gas is highly flammable and volatile. Such negligence not only endangers the operator but also risks the lives of neighboring residents and passersby.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety standards in high-risk businesses, particularly those involving hazardous materials like gas.

The price for being kind

An eye witness who voluntarily used her car to convey some of the victims to seek medical attention confirmed to Kudos Media that Mandella Car Wash refused to wash her car because according to them they don't wash cars with blood stains. She further confirmed that even Police Officers harassed her on the Road due to the blood stains they saw in her car and asked her to provide proof that she actually took victims of Gas explosion to hospital before they would let her go. Though she was later allowed to go after much ado about nothing.

These are some of the reasons why some people choose to mind their business and not render any form of assistance when they see people in distress. All of us at Kudos Media sincerely empathize with that particular eyewitness and everyone else who has suffered one form of harassment or difficulty as a result of rendering support to victims of circumstances.

Safety Best Practices for Gas Refilling Businesses

To prevent future occurrences of similar tragedies, here are some essential safety measures that gas refilling operators and the general public should follow:

1. Separate Operations: Welding and gas refilling should never occur in the same space. Each activity requires separate, well-ventilated environments to minimize risks.

2. Adequate Training: Operators should undergo professional training to understand the safe handling and storage of gas cylinders.

3. Routine Inspections: Regular inspections of equipment and storage facilities can help identify potential hazards before they escalate.

4. Fire Safety Equipment: Every gas refilling business should have functional fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and an emergency shut-off system.

5. Proper Ventilation: Gas refilling facilities must be well-ventilated to prevent gas buildup, which can lead to explosions.

6. Community Awareness: Neighbors and customers should be educated about safety precautions and encouraged to report unsafe practices.

The Oro-azi gas explosion is a tragic wake-up call for businesses and regulators alike. It is imperative for government agencies, safety organizations, and local authorities to enforce stringent safety regulations in high-risk industries.

KUDOS MEDIA urges businesses and individuals to prioritize safety over shortcuts or profit margins. Let this unfortunate incident serve as a lesson to prevent future loss of lives and property.

To report unsafe practices or seek safety training resources, reach out to the Rivers State Fire Service or your local safety authority. Together, we can build a safer community.

Have you witnessed unsafe practices anywhere near you? Report them here.

What are your thoughts about this incident? Share in the comments below.

Also, don't forget to share this article to raise awareness about gas safety.

Use #GasSafety #SafetyFirst #portharcourtnews #oroaziupdate

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