By 9jaeye 
A tragic gas explosion occurred on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Good Shepherd Catholic Catering School in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. The explosion severely injured ten female students, five of whom are in critical condition at the Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital. Students were performing catering activities in the kitchen area of the all-girls school when the explosion occurred.
Witnesses stated that the gas explosion occurred when a student allegedly brought an android phone into the kitchen, leading to the blast. Although the exact cause is still under investigation, this theory has gained significant attention due to the dangers associated with handling gas cylinders near electronic devices. Parents of the affected students are working closely with the school authorities to ensure the victims receive the best possible care.
Comrade Emmanuel Nwizi, the father of one of the victims, explained that his daughter, Miss Chisom Nwizi, suffered severe burns. She had only joined the school a month prior to the incident. Nwizi expressed his concerns about the critical condition of some of the students and appreciated the swift response of the hospital staff in treating the injured.
Investigations and Safety Concerns
The Ebonyi State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the explosion. He noted that the authorities are conducting thorough investigations to determine the exact cause of the blast. Ukandu described the incident as “unfortunate” but confirmed that there were no fatalities.
Meanwhile, the Ebonyi Fire Service did not receive an alert during the incident, which raised concerns about the lack of proper emergency communication channels. Ralph Ibiam, the state’s Chief Fire Officer, emphasized the importance of gas safety and warned the public against using mobile phones in risky environments such as kitchens. He also called for more public awareness about fire safety measures to prevent future accidents.
Ongoing Response and Preventative Measures
The school and local authorities have informed the public that they will review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future as investigations progress. The school has yet to release an official statement, but sources close to the institution report that their focus is on the recovery of the students. Authorities have encouraged the public to adopt stricter safety practices around gas cylinders, urging citizens to avoid dangerous behaviors like using electronic devices near gas.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about safety in schools and the need for stronger enforcement of safety regulations, particularly in environments that involve hazardous materials. Families, students, and the larger community are calling for immediate improvements in safety training to avoid another tragedy.
As the students continue their recovery, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from everyday activities when proper precautions are not taken.
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