A catastrophic gas explosion has resulted in the death of an entire family in Warri, Delta State, as they prepared to celebrate a special occasion for their youngest member.
The incident occurred on 30 May 2025 but was only publicly reported on 14 June. The family was preparing for the birthday of their last daughter, who had also recently obtained a visa for international travel — a moment that should have been filled with hope and joy.
The tragedy struck when a secondary gas cylinder was introduced into the kitchen to support cooking efforts already underway with a standard LPG cylinder. While attempting to install a burner onto the smaller cylinder, the father accidentally caused a gas leak. The leak was immediately ignited by the active flame of the primary cooker, resulting in a violent explosion.
The mother, who had just exited the bathroom at that moment, was severely injured in the blast along with her daughter. The father died shortly after the explosion, while the mother and daughter later succumbed to their injuries at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
Local safety advocate and engineer, John Perede Akpoyibo, has highlighted several safety failings that contributed to the incident. Chief among them were the use of multiple gas sources in a confined space, inadequate ventilation, and a lack of basic gas safety infrastructure, such as leak detectors and fire suppression tools.
“This tragedy was entirely preventable,” said Akpoyibo. “We must educate families on the risks of domestic gas use. Basic precautions — such as turning off existing gas sources before introducing a new one, avoiding confined usage, and installing proper safety devices — can save lives.”
He further urged communities and regulators to prioritise gas safety awareness campaigns, equip homes with essential safety equipment, and enforce regular inspections of gas appliances.
The loss of this family has deeply shaken the Warri community, serving as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by domestic gas if not handled with care and caution.
