One individual is feared dead and several others have sustained injuries following an explosion in Sapele, Delta State, on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred around 6 pm at a dumpsite along Mission Road, a location frequented by scavengers for storing scrap materials.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device that had been inadvertently brought to the site by one of the scavengers. Reports suggest that the deceased suffered severe injuries due to the blast.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the explosion may have been triggered by a scavenger unknowingly handling a hazardous item, possibly mistaking it for scrap metal. Initial assessments indicate that it could have involved a gas cylinder or a fire extinguisher.
Local authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, with further details expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses. As of this report, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, was unavailable for comment.
