Tragedy in Warri: Gas explosion wipes out family on eve of daughter’s planned trip abroad

A tragic gas explosion has devastated a family of three in Warri, Delta State, leaving the community in shock and mourning. The horrific incident, which occurred in May, reached a heartbreaking conclusion on June 17 when the last surviving member, a young woman set to travel overseas, succumbed to severe burns after spending two agonizing weeks in intensive care.

The family had been preparing for a joyous celebration, marking their daughter’s birthday and her planned relocation abroad. However, what should have been a moment of pride and excitement turned into a catastrophe, fueled by a domestic gas explosion that could have been prevented.

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According to a detailed incident report by Engr. John Perede Akpoyibo, a prominent safety advocate and community development expert, the explosion occurred when the father attempted to connect a burner to a smaller LPG gas cylinder in the same kitchen where another gas cylinder was already in use. The highly flammable gas leaked and came into contact with an open flame, triggering an explosive fire that quickly engulfed the kitchen.

The father died shortly after the blast due to critical injuries. The mother, who was stepping out of the bathroom when the fire erupted, sustained third-degree burns and was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), where she died days later. Their daughter, who had suffered extensive first-degree burns fought bravely for survival but tragically passed away on June 17.

Engr. Akpoyibo, who has been vocal about domestic safety, described the explosion as a “completely avoidable tragedy” and emphasized the urgent need for increased public education on the safe use of LPG gas in Nigerian homes. He called for nationwide safety campaigns and community training, stressing that “every household must understand the risks involved in improper gas handling.”

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He noted that key factors that led to the explosion included simultaneous use of multiple LPG cylinders in an enclosed space, installation of a burner near an active flame, poor ventilation, and lack of gas leak detection or fire extinguishing tools.

“This is not just an unfortunate incident, it is a call to action. We must stop playing with fire. The use of LPG must come with education, preparation, and prevention,” Engr. Akpoyibo urged.

The tragic death of this family serves as a stark reminder of the often-ignored dangers that lurk in everyday kitchens. As the use of liquefied petroleum gas continues to rise across Nigeria, experts warn that similar disasters will become more common unless strict safety standards are enforced.

This loss has left a deep scar on the Warri community and highlights the urgent need for proactive steps to prevent future gas explosions. The memory of this young woman and her parents must not be in vain. Their story should ignite a nationwide movement toward responsible gas use, fire safety awareness, and the enforcement of lifesaving domestic safety protocols.

Let this be the last tragedy of its kind.