An explosion in Sapele, Delta State, has left one person dead and several others injured on Tuesday evening. The blast occurred around 6 p.m. at a dumpsite along Mission Road, where scavengers typically store scrap materials.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) that one of the scavengers unknowingly brought to the site. The individual who died reportedly suffered severe injuries from the blast.
In addition to the fatality, at least two others, including residents living near the dumpsite, sustained critical injuries. “They are currently receiving medical treatment,” an eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous said.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that the scavenger may have mistakenly handled a hazardous item. “It’s possible they thought it was scrap metal. Our initial suspicion is that it might have been a gas or fire extinguisher cylinder,” he explained, adding that more details would emerge as the investigation progresses.
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic explosion. Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for further comments were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
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