Popular Nollywood special effects artist, James Akaie, has died following injuries sustained in an explosion at a movie location in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The tragic incident occurred during a filming session when an unexpected explosion reportedly broke out in a designated effects preparation area outside the main film set.
The death was confirmed on Friday by filmmaker and producer, James Abinibi, in a statement shared on the official Instagram page of RockBottom Flix.
According to Abinibi, the explosion happened while Akaie was experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder, alongside two assistants.
“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,” the statement read.
Abinibi disclosed that Akaie was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
“James succumbed to his injuries at the hospital,” he said.
The two assistants who were with him at the time of the incident sustained varying degrees of burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital for treatment.
“His two assistants sustained fire burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate medical attention and were later confirmed stable as they continue to receive treatment,” Abinibi added.
Akaie was widely regarded within the Nigerian film industry for his expertise in special effects and practical stunts. His death has sparked renewed concerns over safety standards and the use of pyrotechnics on Nollywood film sets.
Colleagues and fans have continued to pay tribute to the late artist, describing him as passionate, creative and dedicated to his craft.