Two men suspected to be scrap metal scavengers have lost their lives after an explosion in the Old Nekede Road area of Owerri West Local Government Area in Imo State.
The incident happened on Thursday night at about 9:15 p.m. inside a large drainage channel near No. 1 Old Nekede Road, opposite Lakeside Hotel.
Residents in the area were thrown into confusion after the loud blast.
The police in Imo State confirmed the incident on Friday through their spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye.
He said officers moved quickly to the scene with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit.
Security operatives later sealed off the area and carried out a sweep to ensure safety.
The site was later cleared and declared safe for movement.
Preliminary findings showed that the two victims were inside the drainage channel when the explosion went off.
They were later identified as 32-year-old Hyginus Akalonu from Umulumu in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State and 22-year-old Victor Egwu from Ishielu Local Government Area in Ebonyi State.
Both men suffered severe burns and were rushed to the Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Owerri, where they were confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
Police said their Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit has started a full investigation to find out what caused the blast and how the victims came in contact with the explosive material.
The police commissioner in Imo State assured residents that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic.
He also advised members of the public to report any suspicious objects or activity to security agencies.
