Explosion rocks Rivers community, leaves 20 injured, 50 houses razed

At least 20 people have been injured and about 50 houses razed after a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday evening, PUNCH reports. The blast reportedly occurred around 5pm after a Nigeria Gas Company pipeline ruptured along Old Bori Road. Several victims were rushed to hospitals, while stalls and a mechanic workshop were affected.

Resident Stanley said community leaders notified the company but no proper measures were taken. “This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today,” he said. Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, said he petitioned relevant authorities over a leakage. “We asked for a joint investigation. We don’t know what they did before they left,” he said.

The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre confirmed the incident. Its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, said the fire was still burning and urged intervention, adding: “This is a serious incident.”