October 09, (THEWILL) – At least one person has been killed in a suspected cylinder explosion at a dumpsite along Mission Road, in Sapele, Delta State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, at about 7pm, at the dumpsite where local scavengers store scrap materials.
Sources close to the scene, identified the victim killed in the explosion as one of the scavengers.
“At least two others sustained critical injuries, including individuals residing near the dumpsite. They are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital”, a source said.
A senior police officer, speaking anonymously, suggested that the blast may have been triggered by a scavenger unknowingly handling a hazardous item.
“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 said, adding that investigation is ongoing on the incident.
