Explosion Rocks Imo, Kills 2 Scavengers
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the unfortunate demise of two individuals as a result of an explosion that transpired in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.
The incident occurred within a substantial drainage channel situated at No. 1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel, in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
In response to the explosion, the command promptly dispatched its operatives to the location, secured the vicinity, and deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to ensure the area was thoroughly inspected and declared safe.
The spokesperson for the command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Henry Okoye, reported that two individuals lost their lives in the explosion.
He identified the deceased as Hyginus Akalonu, aged 32, from Umulumu, Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, and Victor Egwu, aged 22, from Agba, Ishielu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
According to him, the two individuals, suspected to be scrap metal scavengers, were inside the drainage channel at the time of the explosion.
Okoye further stated that they sustained severe burn injuries during the incident and were immediately transported to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical attention.
He disclosed that the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
