Heavy explosion on Friday rocked the Abura Crude Trunk line belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) in Otu-jeremi community in Ughelli south local government area of Delta State,
According to residents living around the affected area, the explosion which was followed by a fire outbreak occurred around 1: 30pm.
Residents of the area said they heard a loud blast which shook the buildings in the community before the fire outbreak.
According to the residents, it was not clear what led to the explosion as they all scampered for safety after the heavy blast.
It was gathered that soldiers have since cordoned off the area while fire fighters have been deployed to put off the fire to ensure it doesn’t escalate.
“The explosion has caused pandemonium in the community as residents who lived close to the pipeline area scamper for safety as a result of crude oil gushing out of the trunk line,” one resident said.
The affected trunk line is operated by NPDC and ND WESTERN joint venture, operators of OML 34.
A military personnel from Nigerian Army sector 1 in Warri confirmed the report, but said the cause is unknown.
NPDC’s Head of Community Relations, Otobrise and NPDC security Lt. Col. Oyekan (retd) didn’t return calls when contacted as at press time.
Francis Sadhere, Warri
