Renowned 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 was confirmed by filmmaker James Abinibi, who disclosed the development in a statement shared on the RockBottom Flix Instagram page. According to Abinibi, the explosion occurred during a filming session in a designated effects preparation area outside the main set.
He explained that Akaie was 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.
The two assistants involved in the incident sustained burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
James Akaie was widely respected in the Nigerian film industry for his expertise in special effects. His death has sparked renewed conversations around on-set safety standards and the regulation of special effects practices in Nollywood.
