Two suspected scrap metal scavengers have died following an explosion that occurred along Old Nekede Road in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued through its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye.
According to the police, the explosion happened at about 9:15 p.m. on Thursday inside a large drainage channel located at No. 1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel.
Following the incident, security operatives alongside personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit were immediately deployed to the area.
The police disclosed that the location was cordoned off while bomb disposal experts conducted a thorough sweep before declaring the environment safe for residents and public movement.
The deceased were identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu, an indigene 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.
Preliminary findings by investigators indicated that the victims were inside the drainage channel at the time the explosion occurred.
According to the police, both men sustained severe burn injuries and were evacuated to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Owerri, where they were later confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
The command stated that its Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has commenced a full-scale investigation to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities assured residents that further updates would be made available as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring that the situation had been brought under control.
He also advised members of the public to stay vigilant and promptly report suspicious objects, packages or unusual activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency channels.
