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.
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.
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