Rivers gas explosion injures 20, destroys 50 houses

A gas pipeline explosion has injured at least 20 people and destroyed about 50 houses in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred around 5 pm on Thursday after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company ruptured along Old Bori Road, sending several victims to hospital and damaging buildings, shops and a mechanic workshop where cars were parked.

A resident, who identified himself as Stanley, said the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion.

He alleged that community leaders had notified the company about the leak, but no adequate measures were taken to address it.

The Leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, Daniel Chuma, said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities over the leak, but no concrete action was taken to prevent the incident.

Chuma said the council had petitioned the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, with the police copied, seeking urgent intervention and a joint investigation.

He expressed concern that the explosion had occurred along the same pipeline despite the earlier complaints, adding that more than 50 houses and several vehicles were affected.

Chuma said community members had cordoned off the affected area with barrier tape and urged residents to stay away to prevent further casualties.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene, called on the Rivers State Government, the Federal Government and relevant environmental agencies to assist affected residents.

He said the fire was still burning when he issued his statement.