Flammable Refrigerants - Yet Another Fatal Explosion in Nigeria

Eco-friendly refrigerants are unfortunately flammable. Yet another tragedy occurred on November 8, 2025, in Plateau State, Nigeria, following those of Sunday, August 17, and September 26. The explosion, which proved fatal for a technician named Peter, was reported to us by Ahmed Ibrahim Ibrahim, National President of NARAP and of the National Executive Committee.

In Africa, the rapid introduction of flammable refrigerants continues to cause damage. Without prior and sustained training, and therefore large-scale training, for refrigeration technicians, and extensive public awareness campaigns, these tragedies will multiply. It is not uncommon for us to receive very bad news following often fatal explosions of such refrigerants. These new refrigerants are indeed eco-friendly, but they remain flammable. Unlike the refrigerants they replace, they are explosive. Users may not be aware of this condition, and the slightest spark could lead to disaster. Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Ibrahim, National Chairman of NARAP and of the National Executive Committee (Nigeria), informed us of a series of explosions. The damage is significant, and there are often fatalities.

Training and awareness needed.

The latest explosion was fatal to one of NARAP's members in Plateau State. The NARAP National Chairman stated that he was alone at the time of the explosion. Based on their investigation with friends, former and current apprentices, and spare parts suppliers, NARAP members discovered that the explosion was caused by R600, triggered by a spark. A former colleague from the same workshop told them that the victim always bought R600 and R134a in empty R22 cylinders. It was also revealed that Peter didn't like the small refrigerant containers in metal tins… Adding to these accounts are those of a spare parts supplier who confirmed selling him 4 kg of R600 in R22 containers, a current apprentice, and other employees present at the workshop, who allege that their supervisor sat on the container during the filling process. We urgently need extensive training sessions for refrigeration technicians, widespread awareness campaigns, and even the construction of production and filling plants for new, eco-friendly refrigerants in Africa to mitigate, if not eliminate, such tragedies.