35 Persons Feared Killed As Explosion Rocks Illegal Oil Refining Site In Rivers
In a harrowing incident that has sent shockwaves through Ibas Community in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State, approximately 35 individuals are feared dead following a devastating explosion at an illegal oil refining site.
The catastrophe unfolded late Sunday night, when more than 40 people were engaged in the perilous act of scooping petroleum product.
Eyewitnesses report that the explosion occurred suddenly, engulfing the refining site in flames. Emmanuel, a close source within the community, disclosed that the victims were not only involved in the dangerous activity but were also selling the illicitly refined product on-site.
The tragedy’s impact extended beyond Ibas Community, affecting individuals from neighboring areas such as Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Ibaa, and Oduoha in Emohua LGA. Emmanuel grimly recounted, “More than 40 people were there at the site. They were there scooping and bagging crude oil when the place caught fire.” He continued, “Many Isiokpo, Oduoha, and Ibaa people were there. Seven of the people died inside the pit where they were scooping the crude. About 10 burnt to charcoal by the pit.”
The magnitude of the disaster became increasingly evident, with Emmanuel adding, “About 30 people died at the site while over 15 have been rushed to the hospital. I hear that three of them have died while they were being rushed to the hospital.”
Concerned citizens and authorities await answers regarding the circumstances leading up to this horrific incident. When contacted for comment, the spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, pledged to investigate the matter but had not provided a response as of the time of filing this report on Monday evening.
As the community grapples with this tragic loss of life, questions linger about the safety of illegal oil refining operations in the region and the urgent need for intervention to prevent such disasters in the future.