Explosion claims life of Nigerian special effects artist
James Akaie, a popular Nigerian special effects artist, has died after sustaining severe injuries in an explosion at a movie location in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The incident occurred during a filming session, cutting short the life of the visual effects expert and leaving two others injured.
Director confirms incident details
The death was confirmed by movie director and producer James Abinibi in a statement shared on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page on Friday.
According to Abinibi, the explosion happened in a designated effects preparation area located outside the main film set.
Unauthorised pyrotechnic activity involved
Abinibi explained that Akaie was experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder at the time of the explosion.
The artist was said to be working alongside two assistants when the incident occurred.
Victim dies from injuries, assistants hospitalised
Akaie was rushed to the hospital following the explosion but later succumbed to his injuries.
His two assistants sustained fire burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate medical care. Abinibi said the assistants were later confirmed to be in stable condition and are continuing treatment.
