By Parrot Newspaper 
Abia Gas Factory Explosion: Two Dead, Ten Injured as Faulty Valve Sparks Disaster
Tragedy at Inner Galaxy Steel Company
A devastating gas explosion at Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has left two people dead and ten others critically injured. The incident, which occurred on the morning of Tuesday, March 25, 2025, was reportedly triggered by a faulty gas valve, causing extensive damage within the factory.
How the Explosion Happened
According to reports, the explosion erupted while a customer was handling a gas cylinder valve, a moment captured on CCTV footage reviewed by the factory’s management and local authorities. The blast was so powerful that it tore apart the roof of the affected section, throwing workers into a state of panic.
Abia State Police Command spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, stressing that investigations are ongoing to determine whether negligence played a role in the disaster.
Conflicting Reports and Immediate Response
In the aftermath of the explosion, social media was flooded with conflicting reports, with some claims suggesting that as many as 20 people had died. However, Ukwa West LGA Mayor, Dike Briggs Nwankwo, swiftly moved to clarify the situation.
“I immediately suspended all engagements and rushed to the scene,” Nwankwo stated. “When I arrived, I saw firsthand the destruction—the explosion had completely ripped apart the roof of the affected section.”
He confirmed that two people lost their lives, while the remaining ten victims were rushed to a hospital in Port Harcourt, where they are currently responding to treatment.
Safety Concerns: Is Inner Galaxy Steel Company Negligent?
This tragic incident raises critical safety concerns about industrial gas handling in Nigerian factories. Inner Galaxy Steel Company, a Chinese-owned firm, has faced previous scrutiny over working conditions and industrial safety compliance. With this latest explosion, questions are being asked about whether the company adhered to standard safety regulations for gas handling.
Key Safety Failures at the Scene
1. Faulty Gas Valve: A critical failure in the factory’s gas cylinder valve reportedly triggered the explosion. This points to possible poor maintenance practices.
2. Lack of Emergency Response Readiness: The severity of the explosion suggests that preventive measures and emergency protocols may have been inadequate.
3. Factory’s Safety History: Past concerns about worker safety in Inner Galaxy Steel Company have resurfaced, putting regulatory bodies under pressure to take action.
What Happens Next? Calls for Investigation and Regulation
Following the explosion, industry experts and labor activists are calling for a thorough investigation into the factory’s safety practices. The Abia State Government and National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) are expected to conduct safety audits and possibly sanction the company if violations are found.
Families of the victims are also demanding compensation, while labor unions are urging the government to enforce stricter regulations on industrial gas usage to prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion: Will This Be a Wake-Up Call?
The Inner Galaxy Steel Company explosion is yet another stark reminder of the hazards faced by factory workers in Nigeria due to poor safety standards. With two lives lost and several others battling for survival, authorities must act swiftly to ensure that such preventable disasters do not keep repeating.
As investigations continue, the big question remains: Will this be the moment that forces real change in factory safety regulations, or will it be just another tragedy forgotten too soon?