Two Die In Owerri Drainage Explosion, Police Launch Investigation

An explosion which occurred inside a large drainage channel located at No. 1 Old Nekede Road opposite Lakeside Hotel in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State has killed two persons suspected to be scavengers.

The Imo State Police Command, in a statement released by the spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said it has launched an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

Okoye hinted that operatives of the Command, acting on a report from residents within the area, immediately mobilised to the scene, cordoned off the area, and deployed operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit to secure and thoroughly sweep the scene.

He disclosed that preliminary investigation revealed that the two victims who were inside the large drainage channel at the time of the explosion were scrap metal scavengers identified as Hyginus Akalonu, 32, from Umulumu, Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu, from Agba, Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State.

The police spokesperson added that the two individuals sustained severe burn injuries and were promptly evacuated to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

The Command’s EOD Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Okoye added that updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.

Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, reassured residents that the Command is fully on top of the situation. The CP urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.

Channels TV reported the same incident, noting that the Commissioner of Police reassured residents that there was no cause for panic as the affected area had been secured.

Sources: Daily Post, Channels TV