Faulty valve blamed for blast as victims evacuated to Port Harcourt hospital
Umuahala Obuzor, Abia State – A deadly gas explosion rocked the Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Ukwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, leaving two dead and 12 others injured in what authorities have attributed to equipment failure.
The Incident
Eyewitnesses reported that a malfunctioning valve at the plant’s gas facility triggered a catastrophic blast, sending shockwaves through the industrial complex. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, evacuating the wounded to a specialized medical center in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for treatment.
Official Confirmation
Ukwa West LGA Chairman, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, who visited the site shortly after the explosion, provided clarity on the casualties:
“Preliminary reports confirm 12 casualties, with two tragic fatalities. Claims circulating about 20 deaths are entirely false,” said Rev. Ihunanya Johnson Nwosu, the chairman’s Chief Press Secretary, in an official statement.
Nwankwo emphasized that all victims were customers present at the facility during the incident, not employees. He praised the swift response of emergency teams, which prevented further loss of life.
Ongoing Response
- Investigation launched: Safety inspectors are examining the plant to determine the exact cause of the valve failure.
- Victim support: Families of the deceased have been contacted, while the injured remain under care in Port Harcourt.
- Regulatory scrutiny: Abia State officials have ordered immediate safety audits of all gas-dependent industries in the region.
Broader Implications
The explosion has reignited concerns about industrial safety standards in Nigeria, where lax enforcement and aging infrastructure have contributed to similar disasters in recent years.
“This is a wake-up call for stricter compliance with safety protocols, especially in high-risk facilities,” said Engr. Obioma Eze, a safety consultant familiar with the region.
The Inner Galaxy Steel Company has temporarily suspended operations pending a full review.
