Renowned Nollywood special effects artist, James Akaie, has died following a tragic explosion on a movie set.
Naija News reports that the incident was confirmed by filmmaker and producer, James Abinibi, in a statement posted on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page on Friday.
According to Abinibi, Akaie sustained fatal injuries from an explosion that occurred at a film location in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He later passed away at the hospital. Two assistants who were with him at the time survived the incident but suffered burn injuries.
Abinibi explained that the explosion happened during a filming session in an effects preparation area outside the main set. Akaie was reportedly testing an unauthorised pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder alongside his assistants when the accident occurred.
“James later died from his injuries at the hospital,” Abinibi said. “His two assistants sustained burn injuries and were rushed to a specialist medical facility, where they received prompt treatment and were later confirmed to be in stable condition.”
Meanwhile, in a separate development, Nollywood actress Doris Ogala has raised alarm among fans and colleagues after sharing a series of emotional posts on social media, revealing that she is facing severe personal struggles.
In a video that has circulated online, the visibly distressed actress broke down in tears as she spoke about what she described as a chain of traumatic events that have affected her mental and emotional health. Ogala said she has endured alleged miscarriages, arrest and detention following accusations she made against popular cleric Chris Okafor, as well as painful marital experiences.
She also claimed that she once returned home to find her husband’s alleged mistress and child, adding that the accumulation of these experiences has left her feeling overwhelmed.