The Anambra State Police Command on Friday said that two more bodies had been recovered from the explosion, which occurred at a gas plant in Nnewi area of the state on December 24.
The state Police Public Relations Office, Ali Okechukwu, said that the two bodies, that of a mother and her baby, were recovered at a nearby building.
“The bodies were hidden in ashes and it took frantic search before we discovered them. Six other persons who were seriously injured were also rushed to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and later referred to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu,” Okechukwu said.
The PPRO said that the fire might have occurred at the time when domestic gas was being dispensed to customers.
“I think there was a disconnect, which led to the explosion,” he said, adding that investigation was still ongoing to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion.
He, however, said that when the fire sparked-off from one of the nozzles, the workers and customers were advised to vacate the premises.
Okechukwu said that most of the casualties recorded were motorcyclists and passersby who rushed to take a glance at the inferno before the explosion took place.
Also confirming the report, the Acting-Director of the Anambra State Fire Service, Mr. Innocent Mbonu, said that although some nearby buildings were affected, six persons died before the engagement of the fire service.
“Tentative report says the fire, which was extinguished after a fierce battle, was caused by domestic gas explosion which distributed fire to some buildings around,” he said.
Meanwhile, the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has condoled with the families of victims of Thurday’s fire incident at Nnewi.
Describing the incident as “tragic and regrettable,” Obi told our correspondent in Lagos that he was “downcast.”
He prayed to God to grant repose to the dead and courage to those they left behind to bear the loss with equanimity.
The former governor, however, advised the people to be vigilant at all times and observe safety guides in order to avoid similar occurrence in future.
Obi expressed solidarity with the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano; the Igwe of Nnewi and the entire Nnewi people, especially the Chicason Group, over the incident.
“Nnewi is directly affected by the unfortunate incident. We must show solidarity with them, bearing in mind that as Donne John said, ‘Any man’s death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind’,” he added.
