Punch Metro reports that a gas explosion in the Ughelli Local Government Area of Delta State has left six persons seriously injured, while properties worth millions of naira have been destroyed.

It was learnt that the explosion, which occurred around 12.40pm on Tuesday, affected about 10 shops on the Iwhrekpokpo Road in Ughelli.

The explosion, it was gathered, was from a gas cylinder at a local gas station in the area.

A source who spoke with Punch Metro said, “The incident occurred from a leaking cylinder at a gas refill shop around 12.40pm on Tuesday.

“It occurred when the shop owner was refilling a cylinder close to a spot, where a woman was frying baked beans, popularly known as akara.

“The cylinder, which was apparently leaking, exploded as a result of the naked flame from the akara seller.

“As a result of the incident, 10 shops were razed by the fire, while six persons, including passers-by, suffered burns as a result of the inferno.”

When contacted, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adeleke Adeyinka, confirmed the incident.

“There was an explosion, but nobody died. Six or seven shops were destroyed,” Adeyinka stated