Popular Nollywood special effects artist James Akaie dies in on-set explosion

James Akaie, a well-known Nigerian special effects artist, has died following injuries sustained in an explosion on a movie location in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The tragic incident was confirmed by popular movie director and producer, James Abinibi, in a statement shared on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page on Friday.

According to Abinibi, the explosion occurred during a filming session in a designated effects preparation area outside the main set. Akaie was reportedly experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder alongside two assistants when the explosion happened.

Akaie was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. His two assistants sustained burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate medical care. They have since been confirmed to be in stable condition and are continuing treatment.