A gas explosion at Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has claimed the lives of two people and left ten others critically injured.
The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday morning, March 25, 2025 was reportedly triggered by a faulty gas valve, causing widespread damage within the facility.
The spokesperson of the Abia State Police Command, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday.
She stated that the Chinese firm’s Chief Security Officer informed the command that the explosion was reportedly triggered by a faulty gas valve, causing widespread damage within the facility.
Responding to enquiries on Thursday, the Mayor, Ukwa West LGA, Dike Briggs Nwankwo, recounted the immediate steps taken by his office upon receiving news of the incident
Nwankwo, who suspended all official engagements to visit the scene, described the devastation caused by the blast.
“The social media was flooded with various reports, some claiming that as many as 20 people had died. I immediately left my office and rushed to the factory. When I arrived, I was taken straight to the affected section, where I saw that the explosion had completely ripped apart the roof,” he said.
He disclosed that a CCTV footage reviewed by the factory’s management and local authorities confirmed that the explosion occurred while a customer was handling a gas cylinder valve.
“Twelve people were affected, two have died, and the remaining 10 are receiving treatment at a hospital in Port Harcourt. As of this morning, I can confirm that they are responding well to treatment,” he added.
