A fatal explosion involving a flammable refrigerant was reported on November 8, 2025, in Plateau State, Nigeria, according to information provided by Ahmed Ibrahim Ibrahim, National President of the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) and of its National Executive Committee. The incident resulted in the death of a refrigeration technician identified as Peter and follows earlier reported explosions in August and September.
NARAP stated that the technician was alone at the workshop at the time of the incident. Based on information gathered from colleagues, apprentices, and spare parts suppliers, the association reported that the explosion involved R600 refrigerant and was triggered by a spark during handling.
According to these accounts, the technician regularly purchased R600 and R134a refrigerants transferred into empty R22 cylinders and avoided using smaller metal refrigerant containers. A spare parts supplier confirmed selling him 4 kg of R600 (about 8.8 lb) in R22 cylinders. Additional testimonies from a current apprentice and other workers alleged that the technician was sitting on the container during the filling process.
NARAP reported that the explosion caused significant damage and highlighted that similar incidents involving flammable refrigerants have resulted in fatalities. The association noted that the introduction of such refrigerants without adequate training and awareness has been linked to repeated accidents in the region.