One Feared Dead As Explosion Rocks Delta Community

One person has reportedly died due to an explosion that rocked the Sapele metropolis in Delta State on Tuesday evening.

According to Punch, the dire incident occured at about 6 pm at a dumpsite along Mission Road, where scavengers typically store scrap materials.

Eyewitness claim that the explosion stemmed from an improvised explosive device inadvertently brought to the site by one of the scavengers.

One of the eyewitnesses said that the individual killed had his body severely impacted by the blast.

Also, no fewer than two others, including individuals residing near the dumpsite, reportedly sustained critical injuries.

The eyewitness stated, “They are currently receiving medical treatment.”

The explosion has left the area in shock and mourning”.

A senior police officer who spoke under condition of anonymity, as he was not authorized to address journalists, said, “The blast may have been triggered by a scavenger unknowingly handling a hazardous item.”

He added, “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 stated that more details would come to light as the investigation unfolds.

Naija News understands that local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.