Two students have been confirmed dead, and eight others remain hospitalised following a gas explosion at Good Shepherd Catering School, located in Orokeonuoha community, Ebonyi local government area, Ebonyi State.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AE-FETHA), Professor Robinson Onoh, confirmed the tragic deaths and the ongoing medical efforts to save the remaining victims.
According to Prof. Onoh, the explosion, which occurred in the school’s kitchen section, was reportedly triggered by a phone. Ten female students were immediately rushed to the hospital after sustaining serious injuries in the blast.
“Both nurses, plastic surgeons, anaesthetist team, internal medicine, and respiratory team are on ground to do the needful. We lost two already; one on arrival, and on October 19, we lost another, making it two deaths. Our team is on ground to make sure we do not lose another person,” Onoh stated.
He further explained that the hospital is facing challenges with inhalation injuries and saver dressing foam, both critical aspects in the ongoing treatment of the remaining eight victims.
The incident has shocked the local community, sparking concerns about safety measures in schools and the use of phones around gas appliances.
