A gas explosion has claimed the lives of three family members – Sir Sylvester Orukpe Ubhimhinye, Lady Esther Ubhimhinye and Miss Ann Orukpe. The explosion occurred in Chinkelly School Area, Off NPA Expressway, Ekpan, Near Warri, Delta State.
The incident report indicates that on 30th of May, 2025, a devastating domestic gas explosion occurred at a family residence in Warri, Delta State, resulting in the eventual loss of an entire family of three. The incident happened as the family was preparing for the birthday of their last daughter, who had also recently secured her visa and was scheduled to travel abroad.
While using a standard LPG gas cylinder for cooking, an additional mini gas cylinder, popularly known as camp gas, was introduced into the same kitchen to support the cooking process. During the installation of a burner onto the smaller cylinder, the father accidentally triggered a sharp gas leak. The active flame from the larger gas cooker in close proximity ignited the escaping gas, leading to a sudden explosion.
The mother, who was exiting the bathroom at the moment, was also caught in the blast.
Casualties:
Father (Sir Sylvester Orukpe Ubhimhinye): Sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after the incident.
Mother (Lady Esther Ubhimhinye): Sustained severe burns, was rushed to University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), and later succumbed to the burn.
Daughter (Miss Ann Orukpe): Suffered critical first-degree burns and was admitted to intensive care at UBTH, where she sadly died on 14th June 2025.
Root Cause Analysis:
1. Simultaneous use of multiple LPG gas cylinders within an enclosed kitchen space.
2. A gas leak occurred during the installation of the burner on a mini gas cylinder while another flame was active.
3. Lack of proper ventilation and absence of gas leak detection equipment.
Fire Extinguisher:
No immediate access to fire extinguishing or suppression tools.
Important Information on Use of Extinguishers for Gas Fire: The general public to note that gas explosion and the concomitant damages are done in a second. Therefore, recourse to fire extinguishers (preferably CO2) are only to put off flame. The effective way to avoid further damages is to cut off the source of gas supply.
Lessons Learned / Safety Recommendations:
1. Do not install or operate a gas burner near any active flame. Always turn off existing gas sources before introducing another.
2. Avoid using multiple gas cylinders in confined or enclosed spaces.
3. Install gas appliances only in well-ventilated areas and away from ignition sources.
4. Equip homes with gas leak detectors, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms.
5. Encourage community-wide training on domestic gas safety and emergency response.
6. Conduct regular safety checks on gas cylinders, hoses, valves.
The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of father, mother, and their last daughter, underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and safety practices in the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is emerging as the preferred means of cooking in Nigeria. The simultaneous use and poor handling of gas equipment in confined spaces remains a serious public safety hazard. It is imperative that communities, safety regulators, and households take proactive measures to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
By: Engr. John Perede Akpoyibo, But With Modifications
Safety Advocate & Community Development Leader.