About six persons were injured while traders and motorists scampered for safety after a substance suspected to be dynamite exploded at the popular Mile 3 Park in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Monday.
Residents of the area said they heard a loud sound at about 6.20am when traders were bringing in their goods and others opening for business.
The explosion occurred at the dry fish section of the park.
In the confusion that ensued, two persons were severely injured, while scores, mostly women, suffered various degrees of injuries. The injured have been rushed to a nearby hospital.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, has ordered a full-scale investigation into an explosion that rocked the popular Mile 3 motor park on Monday morning in Port Harcourt.
CP Friday gave the order while confirming the incident in a statement issued by the state Police Command’s Spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni on Monday afternoon.
He said the explosion was from a locally made dynamite planted in a fish shop inside the park, saying the son of the lady who owns the shop was injured along with others.
The statement further said the investigation was to ascertain the cause of the explosion and ensure that those behind it face the full weight of the law.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command can confirm that there was an explosion this morning at the Mile 3 Market in the Port Harcourt Local Government Area of the state.
“A locally fabricated dynamite exploded when one Mrs. Ifemia Aloke, popularly known as ‘mama Joy,’ opened her fish shop, inflicting injuries on her son and one other young lady who are currently receiving medical attention. No life was lost in the incident.
“The Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) was immediately dispatched to the scene to sweep and render the entire market safe. Normal trading activities resumed immediately.
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