A gas explosion at Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has claimed two lives and left ten others critically injured.
The explosion, which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, March 25, 2025, was reportedly caused by a faulty gas valve, resulting in widespread damage within the facility.
Maureen Chinaka, spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday. She stated that the company’s Chief Security Officer had reported the cause of the explosion as a malfunctioning gas valve.
Responding to inquiries, Ukwa West LGA Mayor Dike Briggs Nwankwo detailed the immediate actions taken by his office upon receiving news of the incident.
Nwankwo, who suspended all official engagements to visit the scene, described the devastation caused by the blast.
“The social media was flooded with various reports, some claiming that as many as 20 people had died. I immediately left my office and rushed to the factory. When I arrived, I was taken straight to the affected section, where I saw that the explosion had completely ripped apart the roof,” he said.
He revealed that CCTV footage reviewed by the factory’s management and local authorities confirmed that the explosion occurred while a customer was handling a gas cylinder valve.
“Twelve people were affected, two have died, and the remaining 10 are receiving treatment at a hospital in Port Harcourt. As of this morning, I can confirm that they are responding well to treatment,” he added.
