One person has been reported dead while several others were injured in an explosion that rocked Sapele metropolis in Delta State on Tuesday evening.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Wednesday that the incident occurred at about 6 pm at a dump site along Mission Road, where local scavengers typically store scrap materials.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the explosion had stemmed from an improvised explosive device inadvertently brought to the site by one of the scavengers.
One of the sources told our correspondent that the deceased individual, identified as a northerner, had his body severely impacted by the blast.
Also, no fewer than two others, including individuals residing near the dump site, reportedly sustained critical injuries.
“They are currently receiving medical treatment”, one of the sources who would not want his name in print stated.
The source added that “the explosion has left the area in shock and mourning.”
A senior police officer who spoke under condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to address journalists, noted with concern that “the blast may have been triggered by a scavenger unknowingly handling a hazardous item.
“It’s possible they mistook it for scrap metal. Our initial suspicion is that it might have been a gas or fire extinguisher cylinder”, the officer further said noting that more details would come to light as the investigation unfolds.
Our correspondent however gathered that local authorities were currently investigating the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
Community leaders who spoke on the explosion expressed concerns about the safety of scavenging operations in Sapele and its environs.
Chief Zacchaeus Edmoreda said, “There are numerous dump sites currently operating without adequate oversight.
“With over 15 dump sites across the town, the lack of safety measures puts scavengers at a significant risk.”
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, could not be reached for comments on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
