The eyewitness reported that the explosion happened at approximately 2:00 am on Friday when one of the buses that were loaded with crude oil collided with another vehicle, leading to the explosion. The tapping point is said to be on the Trans Niger Delta Pipeline (TNP) that passes through the community.
The impact of the explosion left dozens of people, including women, dead and burnt beyond recognition. The eyewitness also reported that many other vehicles and tricycles were burnt at the tipping point. According to the report, all those who were at the exact tipping point in the "pit" got killed, while some of those who had loaded the crude and were waiting to load, including women, were also killed by the explosion.
Fyeneface expressed his grief and stated that Advocacy Centre can confirm from eyewitness information and other sources that men of the Nigerian Army were already at the scene of the incident, with the police said to be on their way to the scene, making it difficult for photographs and videos to be taken.
The Rivers State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe, confirmed the incident and said that she would contact the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area to find out what happened. The cause of the explosion is not yet known, but investigations are currently underway.
This tragic incident is a reminder of the dangers and risks associated with crude oil tapping and the need for multinational oil companies and government agencies to take more proactive measures to ensure the safety of individuals and communities in their operations. The loss of lives is a great tragedy, and our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.
