A tragic gas explosion at a school in Ebonyi State has claimed the lives of two individuals, sparking concerns about safety protocols in educational institutions.
Prof. Robinson Onoh, the Chief Medical Director of Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki (AE-FETHA), has confirmed that two individuals have died as a result of the recent gas explosion at Good Shepherd Catering School located in the Orokeonuoha community, Ebonyi State.
The explosion that happened on Friday resulted in 10 female students being hospitalized.
Reports indicate that the explosion was caused by a phone in the school’s kitchen area, resulting in severe injuries to several students. Professor Onoh disclosed that despite attempts to assist all those affected, two victims tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The other eight students continue to receive treatment at the hospital, where medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize their conditions.
All nurses, plastic surgeons, the anesthetist team, internal medicine and respiratory teams, as well as management are present to take necessary actions.
READ ALSO: NIPCO Reveals True Cause of CNG Car Explosion at Edo Gas Station
“We have already faced two losses: one upon arrival, and another on October 19, bringing the total to two deaths.”
“Our team is on site to ensure that we don’t lose anyone else,” the Chief Medical Director stated.
Onoh stated that the main challenges in treating the victims were related to inhalation and saver dressing foam.
The accumulation of smoke from burns has led to inhalation issues, affecting their breathing. We have managed to separate them.
“The saver dressing foam decreases the frequency of dressings and accelerates the healing process.”
“Inhalation poses a significant challenge; while burns can be managed, the situation becomes problematic once there’s an inhalational aspect.”
“Saver dressing foam is rather expensive and isn’t available locally, so we had to obtain it from Enugu State.”
“We hope to obtain more, as using a specific one might lead to infection and pain that could impede healing,” added Prof. Onoh.