Film producer and director James Abinibi has confirmed the death of James Akaie, a special effects and pyrotechnics artist, following a fatal explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Akaie, who was known for his outstanding special effects makeup work, contributed to several major Nollywood productions including “Mai Martaba”, “The Night of June 7th”, “Dark October” and “Ireke”. In a statement posted on his Instagram page on Friday, Abinibi described the deceased as a brilliant and deeply passionate professional whose creativity and dedication inspired colleagues on set.
Recounting the incident, Abinibi said: “It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm a tragic accident occurred on location in Abeokuta set of our film as filming was coming to a wrap, resulting in the death of our esteemed colleague and friend, James Akaie.” He added that “a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside of the film set where James was experimenting on an unauthorised Pyrotechnic stimulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants.” Abinibi said Akaie later died at the hospital, while two aides who sustained burns were receiving treatment and were in stable condition, noting that investigations into the incident were ongoing.