On Saturday, a gas cylinder exploded near a large tree in Orazi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, causing severe burns to 17 individuals.
They learnt that a gas cylinder had exploded while the operator was filling the can, and the explosion had caused fire to spread.
It was also discovered that the explosion had caused a fire that had gone so far, burning some stores and externally exhibited goods belonging to various business owners.
Some of the victims of the fire were bystanders who were near the store when the gas erupted and caught fire, according to a source with knowledge of the incident.
All of the gas explosion victims were sent right away to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Emergency room for prompt medical assistance, according to the source.