A heartbreaking tragedy struck a family of three in Warri, Delta State, following a gas explosion at their residence that claimed the lives of both parents and their daughter.
The incident occurred on May 30, 2025, as the family was making final preparations for their daughter’s birthday celebration and an imminent relocation overseas.
According to Engineer John Perede Akpoyibo, who reported the details of the incident on Saturday, June 14, the explosion was triggered while the father was installing a burner on a smaller gas cylinder inside their home. Unbeknownst to him, another gas cooker nearby was already in use.
The leaking gas from the smaller cylinder is believed to have come into contact with the open flame of the nearby burner, igniting a powerful explosion that engulfed the home in flames. The father sustained life-threatening injuries and died shortly after the blast.
The mother, who had just stepped out of the bathroom at the time of the explosion, suffered extensive burns. She was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) in critical condition but sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Their daughter, who had recently secured a visa and was on the verge of traveling abroad, also sustained severe burns. She was hospitalized at the same facility and fought for her life for two weeks before passing away on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Engineer Akpoyibo attributed the tragic incident to the use of multiple gas cylinders within a confined space and the absence of vital safety measures. He noted that the family had no gas leak detectors or fire extinguishers, which could have potentially mitigated the damage or prevented the explosion altogether.
He stressed the importance of proper ventilation when using gas appliances and warned against the simultaneous use of multiple cylinders in enclosed areas. “All flames should be extinguished when installing or handling gas cylinders. Gas safety is non-negotiable,” he cautioned.
Akpoyibo further called on government agencies, safety professionals, and community leaders to intensify public awareness campaigns on gas safety. He emphasized that increased education on the proper handling of gas and fire safety equipment could save lives and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
