From Premium Times Nigeria · Ekemini Simon · · 3m
Residents demand probe as NNPC confirms blast, 20 injured in Rivers gas explosion
Rivers gas pipeline explosion injures 20, residents demand investigation.
In brief
Rivers gas pipeline explosion injures 20, residents demand investigation. Residents of Aleto community in Rivers State demand compensation and an investigation after a gas pipeline explosion injured 20 people and damaged over 50 homes and shops. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Residents demand probe
Residents of Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State demand compensation and an investigation into a gas pipeline explosion that injured 20 people and damaged more than 50 houses and shops.
NNPC confirms blast
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited confirmed the explosion on Friday, saying it occurred on Thursday along a gas pipeline operated by its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company Limited.
20 injured reported
Twenty people were reportedly injured, and more than 50 houses and shops were damaged in a Rivers gas pipeline explosion, as survivors allege that warnings of a leak were ignored.
Pipeline explosion scene
In footage reviewed by PREMIUM TIMES, brownish substances billowed into the sky from the affected area, while people nearby ran for safety.
Survivors demand compensation
Survivors, according to The Guardian, have also demanded compensation for their losses and called for an investigation into claims that the suspected leak was reported before the explosion.
Shop owner testimony
A shop owner, identified only as Esther, told the newspaper that she was attending to customers when she heard a loud explosion.
Location of incident
The incident reportedly occurred along Old Bori Road in Aleto community.
Community leaders echo warnings
Channels Television reported that an eyewitness said the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion.
Eleme legislative council leader
Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, also said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities over the reported leak, seeking urgent intervention.
King of Eleme accuses operator
The King of Eleme, Philip Osaro Obele, accused the pipeline operator of failing to address an earlier warning about an unusual noise from the facility.
Government response
The Rivers State Government said its Environment and Energy and Natural Resources ministries inspected the site to assess the damage and engage with the affected community.
NNPC response
NNPC said it had isolated the affected pipeline segment and was working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, security agencies and other stakeholders to assess the damage.
NNPC review of records
The company also said it would review relevant operational records, including previous reports and actions taken, to find the circumstances surrounding the explosion and determine appropriate corrective measures.
Safety instructions
However, NNPC said it was still assessing the explosion’s cause and the full extent of its impact. It asked residents to stay away from the affected area and comply with safety instructions from emergency responders.
The essence
Residents of Aleto community in Rivers State demand compensation and an investigation after a gas pipeline explosion injured 20 people and damaged over 50 homes and shops.
