No fewer than 10 persons died on Friday following an explosion at the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Rumuekpe, Rivers which is already being investigated.
Police Spokesman in Rivers, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the incident in a statement to newsmen, said that rescue efforts were underway.
The TNP, operated by Shell, evacuates crude from its oil fields to the Bonny Crude Oil Export Terminal.
Also confirming the incident, a Shell Spokesman, Michael Adande, said in a statement on Friday that the fire incident occurred at the Rumuekpe-Nkpoku trunk line in Rivers State.
He said that Shell’s technical teams were already working with relevant government agencies to put out the fire.
Adande said that a thorough investigation would be undertaken to ascertain the cause of the incident.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) says it has begun investigation into Thursday’s explosion near a pipeline in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers.
Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Gbenga Komolafe stated on Friday in Abuja that it began the investigation in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and would provide updates appropriately.
According to Komolafe, the investigation is in line with NUPRC’s statutory regulatory oversight of upstream operations in the oil and gas industry.
“NUPRC wishes to announce that an explosion leading to a major fire incident near a pipeline in Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers on Thursday night has been reported.
“There are speculations about the level of casualties, but the Commission cannot confirm any until after our investigation,’’ Komolafe stated.
He assured that NUPRC would take all necessary measures to ensure that safety and environmental measures were put in place in line with global best practices to safeguard lives and the environment.
