20 injured, over 50 houses burnt as explosion rocks Rivers community

About 20 people have been injured and over 50 houses burnt following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The incident occurred around 5pm on Thursday along Old Bori Road, reportedly involving a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company, according to Vanguard.

The Port City News had earlier reported residents’ concerns over persistent gas leakage in the community.

A resident, Emmanuel, said: “The Pipeline has caused injuries and damaged properties. This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today.”

Eleme Legislative Council leader Daniel Chuma accused the company of failing to address previous warnings.

He said: “Before now, everyone scampered for safety. The few that came, we asked them to stay far away to avoid any further incident.”

Chuma said petitions had been submitted to environmental authorities before the explosion.

Several victims were reportedly hospitalised, while vehicles and properties were destroyed.

Youth and environmental advocate Dr Fyneface Dumnamene also confirmed the incident.