Explosion Kills Two In Owerri, Police Probe Cause

The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the cause of an explosion that killed two men inside a drainage channel along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m on Thursday near the drainage opposite Lakeside Hotel, prompting the immediate deployment of police operatives and the Command's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said security personnel quickly secured and cordoned off the area before conducting a thorough search to eliminate any immediate threat to public safety.

According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that the victims were inside the drainage channel when the explosion occurred.

The deceased were identified as Hyginus Akalonu 32, from Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State and Victor Egwu 22, from Agba in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Police described the two men as suspected scrap metal scavengers, stressing that investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The victims reportedly sustained severe burns in the blast and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital Owerri, where doctors confirmed them dead while receiving treatment.

"The Command's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a comprehensive investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the explosion. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses," the police statement said.

Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, assured residents that the situation had been brought under control and that there was no cause for panic, noting that the affected area had been declared safe after security checks.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police station or through the command's emergency response lines.

The police said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional information will be made public as more facts emerge.