By Abiola Olawale
A devastating gas cylinder explosion rocked the Plumbing Market along Uga Street, near Onitsha Bridge Head Market in Anambra State, on Friday, May 16, 2025, leaving one person dead and six others injured.
The incident was confirmed by the Anambra State Police Command.
According to a press statement issued on Saturday by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, the explosion occurred during a welding operation when a gas cylinder was exposed to excessive heat, triggering a catastrophic blast.
Ikenga explained that the incident, which took place in the heart of the Plumbing Market, caused traders and customers to flee in fear as the explosion sent shockwaves through the area.
The statement reads in part: “The police operatives attached to the Onitsha Head Bridge Divisional Police Headquarters on May 16 complemented the rescue efforts by good-spirited individuals on the six victims of a gas cylinder explosion.
“The incident took place at a plumbing market along Uga Street, which regrettably recorded one death.
“The six rescued victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital, while the deceased has been deposited in a mortuary.”
He noted that the police operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.
