Edith CHUKU
The fire explosion at an oil pipeline in Ibaa Community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, that killed a pregnant woman and 14 others, has been described as devastating by the state Police command.
Apart from the 15 persons reported to have lost their lives in the tragic incident which occurred in the early hours of Monday, TNN gathered that about 20 others suffered various degree of burn injuries.
In a release made available by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, the command gave an official update regarding the fire incident.
According to the Police, “on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 23:30 hours, the Rivers State Police Command received distress information about a tragic fire explosion at Ibaa community, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State. Regrettably, fifteen individuals, among them a pregnant woman, lost their lives in this devastating incident, while an additional twenty people suffered various degree of burn injuries.
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“These casualties were as a result of an explosion at an oil pipeline owned by a major oil company, which had been illegally accessed for crude oil extraction within a forested area.
“Swift response by police patrol team from Rumuji Division promptly arrived at the scene. They documented the incident with photographs and also facilitated a dignified evacuation of the deceased for proper burial by their grieving families. Those who sustained burn injuries were swiftly transported to nearby medical facilities for essential treatment.”
The state Police command also said it has initiated a thorough investigation to ascertain the root cause of the pipeline vandalization with the intention of bringing the culprits to justice.
Furthermore, Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, implored parents and guardians to take responsibility for guiding their children and wards from activities that could disrupt the quest for peaceful and sustainable development throughout the state.
