Mysterious Explosion Claims Lives of Patoranking’s Sister and Husband in Ebonyi

Mystery Surrounds Fatal Explosion in New Home of Patoranking’s Sister and Husband, Leaving Community in Shock

Abakaliki, Ebonyi State — Tragedy struck on Sunday, August 25th, 2024, when a mysterious explosion claimed the lives of Princess Orabel (Chioma), the younger sister of popular artist Patoranking, and her husband, George O. Buchi. The incident occurred at their newly built duplex opposite St. John’s Catholic Church, Udemezue, Abakaliki.

The couple, along with their three-year-old son, King, were upstairs when George first noticed a burning smell. Concerned, he told Chioma that he would check it out. Chioma followed him, leaving their son asleep upstairs.

According to a post by Maria Ude Nwachi on Facebook, as the couple approached the door, an unexpected explosion engulfed them. George sustained severe burns over his face and body and immediately fell into a coma. Chioma also suffered burns to her face, hands, and parts of her body. Despite her injuries, Chioma was able to make a few calls to her friends and her father for help.

Due to the time of the incident, it took some time for friends to reach the hospital. However, neighbors rushed the couple to the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA), where they were admitted to the burns unit. George, who had more severe injuries, was treated by a team of five doctors, while Chioma received care from two doctors and a matron. Chioma remained conscious and was communicating with friends, but sadly, she passed away on Saturday, August 30th, at 7:38 PM.

George continued to fight for his life but succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, September 11th, at 12 noon.

The cause of the explosion remains a mystery. Initial suspicions pointed to a gas leak or an inverter battery explosion, but both appliances were found intact. Even more puzzling was that the gate, which had been locked at the time of the explosion, was found open, leaving Chioma questioning what had happened before she passed away.

The couple had just moved into their new home earlier in August and had celebrated their son’s birthday and housewarming with friends and family on August 11th. Both Chioma, also known as Chioma Pato in reference to her brother Pastoranking, and George hailed from Ebonyi State. Chioma was from Onicha-Igboeze in Onicha LGA, while George was from Uburu in Ohaozara LGA.

The circumstances surrounding their tragic deaths continue to leave family, friends, and neighbors searching for answers.