Nnewi - A huge explosion reported at an industrial gas plant in southeast Nigeria. A truck exploded touted as central to fill butane gas for cooking in the city of Nnewi in Anambra.
Reports on the death toll is still confusing. Some call 35 people and others said more than 100 people, including factory workers and people in the vicinity. But there is no certainty related to the exact number.
Local police have confirmed the incident, though not provide further details. A huge fire reportedly followed the explosion.
The bodies and injured as a result of a gas explosion has been brought to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.
According to eyewitnesses, Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu, which is located at the site of the explosion, the residents went to the factory to fill gas that will be used to cook food on Christmas day. Both customers and workers in the building on fire.
Udechukwu said dozens of bodies were seen outside the plant. Probably many more on the inside. The blast is so powerful, the houses near the plant are also reported damaged.
"5 hours after the explosion of the building was still burning, the Red Cross and firefighters still at the scene," said Uduchukwu as quoted by the BBC, Friday (12/25/2015).
Another witness reported through Vanguard newspaper, that the explosion was triggered by a truck stop charging gas to cook it without waiting for the cooling time has been determined.
"Passers-by were also affected by the blast," the paper wrote.
Other witnesses describe black smoke covered the sky at the site of the gas explosion.
