Explosion Claims Two Lives in Imo, Police Launch Investigation

The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into an explosion that claimed the lives of two suspected scrap metal scavengers in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred inside a large drainage channel located along No. 1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel, where the victims were reportedly searching for scrap metals before the explosion.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday.

According to him, police operatives responded promptly after receiving a distress report from residents in the area.

He explained that officers immediately cordoned off the scene while personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit were deployed to secure the location and conduct a thorough sweep.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu, a native of Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State, and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The police said both men were inside the drainage channel at the time of the explosion and were believed to be scavenging for scrap metals.

“They sustained severe burn injuries and were immediately evacuated to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment,” Okoye stated.

He added that the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion.

According to him, further updates will be made available as investigations progress.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, reassured residents that the situation was under control and that security agencies were working diligently to establish the cause of the explosion.

The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious objects, abandoned materials or unusual activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.

He stressed the importance of public cooperation with law enforcement agencies in preventing avoidable incidents and ensuring the safety of residents.

The police also appealed to residents to avoid tampering with unidentified objects or suspected explosive materials, warning that such actions could pose serious risks to lives and property while investigations into the incident continue.