James Akaie, a renowned Nigerian special effects artist, has passed away following injuries from an explosion at 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.

Abinibi explained that the explosion occurred during a filming session in a designated effects preparation area outside the main set. “James was experimenting with an unauthorized pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants,” Abinibi said.

James succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His two assistants suffered fire burn injuries and were rushed to a specialist hospital, where they received immediate treatment. They have since been confirmed stable and continue to receive care.