Some communities surrounding the Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) were thrown into pandemonium early hours of today after a massive gas pipeline explosion rocked the area.
Eyewitnesses told TheNewsGuru on the phone that the explosion occurred in the river that runs through Ubeji, Egbokodo, Ugbokodo, Jeddo, Ughoton and Omadino communities.
The deafening sound of the explosion and the massive fire that followed was first heard and seen at about 4:30 am, according to the eyewitnesses. The fierce and raging fire caused panic among residents in the communities.
“Explosion just occurred in the river some few minutes ago. All residents of Ubeji, Ègbokodo, Ugbokodo, Jeddo, Ughoton, Omadino and its environs are clamouring for safety,” Monty Jolly told TheNewsGuru.
While it is yet to be confirmed the cause of the explosion, Eric Awowede said “It’s certainly an oil/gas facility explosion with resultant flare and high decibel sound associated with blowouts… these are some of the environmental hazards involved in oil/gas exploration and production”.
However, Agbi Eguriase Andrew said the fire and the deafening noise have since subsided hopefully after gas supply to the line was cut off.
“We hope emergency safety precautions have been activated for workers and immediate host communities,” Eric further stated.
Efforts to reach the WRPC and the NGC as at the time of filing this report proved abortive.