Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion

Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion

Tragedy has struck Nigeria’s film industry following the death of a Nigerian artist and special effects expert, James Akaie, who reportedly died after an explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The incident occurred during a filming session when an unexpected blast erupted in an area where special effects materials were being prepared. Akaie, who sustained severe injuries in the explosion, was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his wounds.

Two other crew members who were present at the scene reportedly suffered varying degrees of burn injuries and are currently receiving treatment. They are said to be in stable condition.

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The death of the respected Nollywood special effects artist has thrown the industry into mourning, with colleagues and filmmakers taking to social media to pay tribute to his creativity and technical expertise. Akaie was known for his work on several productions that relied heavily on pyrotechnics and visual effects.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, amid concerns that safety protocols on film sets may not have been adequately followed. The incident has renewed calls from industry stakeholders for stricter enforcement of on-set safety standards, especially during scenes involving explosives, gas cylinders, and special effects equipment.

The tragedy adds to a growing list of recent incidents highlighting occupational hazards within Nigeria’s creative sector, as practitioners continue to push for improved regulation, training and insurance coverage for cast and crew.

Nollywood Mourns as Nigerian Artist Dies in Movie Set Explosion