Gas Explosion Kills Couple and Daughter in Delta
A tragic gas explosion has claimed the lives of a family of three in Warri, Delta State, casting a shadow over what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
The incident occurred on May 30, 2025, at the family’s home as they prepared for their daughter’s upcoming birthday and final travel arrangements—she had recently secured a visa and was set to relocate abroad.
The celebration turned into a horrific disaster when a gas leak ignited a massive explosion.
According to Engineer John Perede Akpoyibo, who reported the incident on June 14, the father had been attempting to connect a burner to a small gas cylinder, while another gas cooker was already in use nearby.
The leaking gas from the newly connected cylinder was reportedly ignited by the flame from the active burner, triggering a powerful explosion that engulfed the kitchen area.
The father died shortly after the blast due to severe burns. His wife, who had just come out of the bathroom at the time of the explosion, sustained critical injuries and was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Sadly, she succumbed to her injuries not long after.
Their daughter, who had been at the center of the family’s preparations, suffered extensive burns and fought for her life for two weeks before passing away on Saturday, June 14, at the same hospital.
Engineer Akpoyibo, while expressing deep sorrow over the incident, attributed the tragedy to the dangerous practice of using multiple gas cylinders in a poorly ventilated, enclosed space.
He emphasized the lack of basic safety equipment such as gas leak detectors and fire extinguishers as contributing factors that could have otherwise mitigated the disaster.
He issued a public safety advisory, urging families to:
- Avoid using more than one gas cylinder in the same confined area,
- Ensure proper ventilation during gas usage,
- Completely extinguish any open flames when installing or handling gas appliances.
Akpoyibo also called on community leaders and local authorities to intensify awareness campaigns on gas safety, noting that many such tragedies are preventable with proper education and basic precautions.
The heartbreaking loss of this family serves as a stark reminder of the importance of domestic safety practices, especially when handling flammable substances.
Gas Explosion Kills Couple and Daughter in Delta