At least two persons have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained severe injuries following a fireworks explosion during a Christmas carnival in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The tragic incident occurred at the weekend near the main stage of the carnival venue, throwing the festive gathering into panic as revellers scampered for safety amid deafening blasts and thick smoke.
Eyewitnesses said cartons containing fireworks, allegedly meant to be disposed of at the venue, suddenly exploded, triggering chaos and leaving many guests with severe burns and deep cuts.
One of the victims, identified simply as Ugochi, was said to have died instantly at the scene, while another female victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
Medical sources disclosed that several others injured in the explosion were receiving treatment in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise.
“The knockout exploded like a bomb. Those closest to the stage collapsed immediately. The sound was terrifying, and people were screaming and running in different directions for safety,” an eyewitness told PLATFORM TIMES.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke engulfing the event hall as injured victims were hurriedly evacuated to hospitals, while frightened attendees fled the scene.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over public safety during festive celebrations, especially as it occurred despite a prior ban by the Anambra State Police Command on the use of knockouts and other explosives during the yuletide.
Ahead of the Christmas festivities, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, had warned residents against the use of fireworks and explosive devices, stressing that violators would be dealt with according to the law.
Orutugu had assured residents that the command had deployed robust security measures to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration across the state.
As of the time of filing this report, the police were yet to issue an official statement on the explosion, while investigations were expected to commence to determine how the banned fireworks found their way into the carnival venue.
The incident has left the Umuchu community in mourning, casting a dark shadow over what was meant to be a season of joy and celebration.
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