Video footage obtained by SaharaReporters captured the moment of the explosion, with screams erupting across the venue as smoke and confusion enveloped the crowd.
At least two people have been confirmed dead and several others, including children, injured following a fireworks explosion during a community carnival in Umuchu, Aguta Local Government Area of Anambra State, on December 29.
Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that the incident occurred when a powerful “knockout” firework detonated unexpectedly near the main stage, triggering panic and chaos among revellers.
One of the victims, identified as Ugochi, reportedly died on the spot. A second victim succumbed to injuries in a hospital within the community early Tuesday. Residents fear the death toll could rise as some victims sustained severe burns and lacerations.
“The knockout exploded like a bomb,” an eyewitness said. “People around the stage fell to the ground immediately. The sound was terrifying. Everyone started shouting, ‘Jesus! Jesus!’”
Video footage obtained by SaharaReporters captured the moment of the explosion, with screams erupting across the venue as smoke and confusion enveloped the crowd.
Shortly after the blast, disturbing images began circulating showing victims being rushed for medical help. One image showed a teenage girl, estimated to be about 14 years old, being carried into a Sienna vehicle, her clothes soaked in blood. She appeared to have sustained serious injuries to the neck area.
In voice notes shared with SaharaReporters, a grieving family member confirmed Ugochi’s death, saying she had only just returned home for the holidays.
“The knockout played at the carnival killed my sister,” he said. “We came back from Aba together on December 28 to celebrate Christmas. She was not the one playing the knockout; she was just dancing when it exploded and hit many people. She died instantly.”
Another resident described the scene as one of devastation, noting that children were among the worst affected.
“Some children between five and 10 years were badly burned,” the eyewitness said. “Some had their faces and necks affected, others had their clothes burned on their bodies, causing severe injuries.”
According to witnesses, the fireworks involved were high-intensity knockouts typically packed in cartons and capable of producing multiple rounds of explosions.
“They were enjoying the carnival when they lit a knockout that plays many rounds,” a resident explained. “Along the line, it exploded mistakenly and hit people close to the stage.”
Community members said many of the injured suffered cuts to their legs, burns to their faces, and other serious wounds. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals as residents scrambled to provide help.
Despite the scale of the tragedy, locals told SaharaReporters that the community leadership has remained largely silent, prompting concerns that the incident may be downplayed.
“People are scared and angry,” one eyewitness said. “This was supposed to be a celebration, but it turned into mourning.”
As of Tuesday morning, there was no official statement from the Anambra State Government or emergency authorities regarding the incident, while residents continue to call for an investigation into the use of dangerous fireworks at public events.
Meanwhile efforts by SaharaReporters to get official reaction of the Anambra State Command of the Nigerian Police Force were unsuccessful as the Command's spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga did not take his calls or respond to a text message seeking his comment on the incident as at the time of filing this report.