James Akaie, a well-known Nigerian special effects artist, has died following an on-set accident during a film shoot in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The tragic incident occurred when an explosion took place in a designated effects preparation area outside the main film set. The explosion involved a gas cylinder as part of an unauthorised pyrotechnic experiment conducted by Akaie and his two assistants.
Film director and producer James Abinibi confirmed the incident in a statement on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page on Friday.
“During a filming session, a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside the film set, where James was experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants,” Abinibi said.
Akaie was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. His two assistants sustained burn injuries and were admitted to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate treatment. Their condition has since been reported as stable as they continue recovery.
The incident has drawn attention to the safety risks associated with pyrotechnics and special effects in Nollywood, sparking calls for stricter safety protocols on film sets to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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