By Matthias Ogbagah & Roselyn John
SAPELE – PANDEMONIUM in Delta State as tragedy struck the administrative headquarters of Sapele local government area, Delta State, on Tuesday evening following an explosion that rocked the ever-busy Mission Road of the Timber City, left one dead and several injured.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. at a dumpsite along Mission Road, where local scavengers typically store up scrap materials.
An eyewitness account told The Rainbow Newspaper that the explosion likely stemmed from an improvised explosive device (IED) inadvertently brought to the site by one of the scavengers.
According to sources close to the scene, the individual killed was identified as a Northerner, with his body severely impacted by the blast. At least two others sustained critical injuries, including individuals residing near the dump site.
“They are currently receiving medical treatment,” a source said, adding that the explosion has left the area in shock and mourning.
Local authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the tragic incident. 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 explained, emphasizing that more details would come to light as the investigation unfolds.
In the aftermath of the explosion, community leaders voiced concerns about the safety of scavenging operations in Sapele, where numerous dumpsites operate without adequate oversight. With over 15 dumpsites across the town, the lack of safety measures puts scavengers at significant risk. Local advocates are calling for urgent interventions to protect individuals involved in scavenging, highlighting the need for policies to ensure their safety and minimize future hazards.
Meanwhile, a Sapele business tycoon blamed the Delta State government for keeping deaf ears to the incessant activities of scavengers in the state adding that what happened is an eye opener to the activities of scavengers in the state.
