From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government has shut a steel manufacturing company, Quantum Steels Nigeria Limited, located on Ikorodu-Sagamu Road, Ogijo, following an accident which led to the injury of seven workers.
This is just as the state Police Command said it has begun investigation into the industrial accident that occurred at the company.
It was learnt that the incident happened on March 2, 2025, at around 6 p.m.
The blast occurred from one of the factory’s machinery leading to injuries of seven individuals, including Nigerian and expatriate workers.
Police spokesman, Omolola Odutola, in a statement, said the incident was formally reported at Ogijo Division by Joseph Adewale, a staff member of the company.
The victims were identified as Daniel Bala (Male, 28 years), Mutiu Olajide (Male, 39 years), Godwin Solomon (Male, 27 years), Maduabuchi Onwe (Male, 27 years), Ajun Kumar (Male, 37 years), Chandan Kumar (Male, 50 years) and Rakash Kumar (Male, 30 years), both expatriates.
“Upon receiving the report, police detectives promptly visited the scene of the incident, conducted an initial assessment, interviewed relevant persons, and documented evidence, including photographs.
“A thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion and ensure compliance with industrial safety regulations. Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” she said.
She urged companies and industries to prioritize workplace safety and adhere strictly to safety protocols to prevent such incidents.
The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, said investigation has begun to unravel the development but did not confirm if arrest has been made or not.
The police boss, however, said categorically that the factory was shut on Wednesday.
Meanwhile the factory has been sealed by the state government.
The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, who confirmed the sealing said the action was taken to ensure that a safety audit was conducted to see where and how the industrial accident took place in the factory.
He stated that reports reaching him indicated that two people, a Nigerian and a foreigner died in the incident while others that had varying degrees of injuries were receiving treatment.
Oresanya disclosed that it is the responsibility of his ministry and the state government to ensure that lives and properties as well as safety of the environment were well protected hence the need to shut down the factory while investigation is ongoing.
According to him, the Ministry has begun investigation into what led to the incident and if the management is found culpable as a result of their negligence, they will be prosecuted before a competent court of law.
He added that if not liable, the company will be given a clean bill of health and the factory reopened for operations.
“We will do a thorough investigation on the remote and immediate causes of the explosion to prevent future recurrence,” he submitted.