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One person has been reported dead while several others were injured in an explosion that rocked the Sapele metropolis in Delta State on Tuesday evening.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the incident occurred at about 6 pm at a dumpsite along Mission Road, where scavengers typically store scrap materials.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the explosion had stemmed from an improvised explosive device inadvertently brought to the site by one of the scavengers.
One of the eyewitnesses said that the individual killed had his body severely impacted by the blast.
Also, no fewer than two others, including individuals residing near the dumpsite, reportedly sustained critical injuries.
The eyewitness stated, “They are currently receiving medical treatment”, one of the sources who would not want his name in print stated.
“The explosion has left the area in shock and mourning”.
A senior police officer who spoke under condition of anonymity, as he was not authorized to address journalists, said, “The blast may have been triggered by a scavenger unknowingly handling a hazardous item.”
He added, “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 further said noting that more details would come to light as the investigation unfolds.
Our correspondent however gathered that local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, could not be reached for comments on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
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