Source: Africa Publicity
Nollywood has been thrown into a state of mourning due to the death of special effects and pyrotechnics artist, James Akaie, which happened following an explosion on a movie set.
Filmmaker, James Abinibi, announced Akaie’s death in a statement issued on Friday, January 16, 2026.
According to Abinibi, the explosion happened in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as the crew was concluding a movie shoot.
He said Akaie and two assistants were testing an unauthorized pyrotechnic device involving a gas cylinder in a designated preparation area outside the main set when the explosion happened.
He noted that Akaie sustained severe injuries and later died in the hospital, revealing that his two assistants suffered burns and were rushed to a specialist hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition and continue to receive treatment.
According to him, the production team is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the cause of the explosion.
Abinibi says “During a filming session, a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside of the film set where James was experimenting on an unauthorized Pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants.”
“James succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His two other assistants sustained some fire burns and were immediately taken to a specialist hospital, where they got immediate attention and were later confirmed stable as they continue receiving treatment.”
“The specific circumstances leading to the explosion are currently under a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities.”
