In a statement on Saturday, Tochukwu Ikenga, the state’s police command spokesperson, said the explosion occurred on Friday at a plumbing market along Uga street.

He said preliminary information revealed that the gas cylinder exploded due to excessive heat as the welder worked on a metal.

The spokesperson said police operatives attached to the Head Bridge divisional police headquarters carried out rescue efforts alongside “good-spirited individuals”.

“Meanwhile, the six rescued victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital while the deceased has been deposited in a morgue,” the statement reads.

“To this end, the police operatives have taken steps to secure the area and prevent criminal-minded persons from taking advantage of the situation to commit crimes.”

Ikioye Orutugu, the Anambra police commissioner, provided safety tips to prevent a recurrence.

The tips include regular inspection and maintenance of the gas cylinder equipment, ensuring that gas cylinders are stored securely and that the equipment is used according to the manufacturers’ instructions and safety guidelines.