James Akaie has died from injuries sustained in an explosion on a movie set in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the explosion occurred during a filming session when an unauthorised pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder detonated.
The popular special effects and pyrotechnics artist and two assistants were working in a designated effects preparation area outside the main set.
He was critically injured and rushed to a local hospital and the two assistants suffered burns and are receiving treatment. They are reported to be in a stable condition.
James Akaie’s death was confirmed by Nollywood director and producer James Abinibi, who shared a statement on social media about the fatal accident.
Shock and sadness has overwhelmed colleagues and industry peers. They have expressed sadness at the loss of an experienced special effects professional.
The circumstances surrounding the explosion are under investigation, with attention on safety practices around pyrotechnics on sets.
Akaie was well-known in the Nigerian film community for his contributions to realistic makeup, special effects and pyrotechnic design, enhancing the production value of many Nollywood films.
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