At least 20 people have been injured and more than 50 houses destroyed after a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Thursday evening.
The blast occurred around 5 pm when a Nigeria Gas Company pipeline ruptured along Old Bori Road. Several victims were taken to hospitals, while nearby stalls, a mechanic workshop and parked cars were also affected.
A resident, who identified himself as Stanley, said the pipeline had leaked for about three weeks before the explosion.
“The pipeline has caused injuries and damaged properties. This pipeline has been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion today,” he said.
He added that community leaders had informed the company about the leak, but nothing effective was done. Most victims were passers-by and people doing business in the area.
Eleme Legislative Council Leader Daniel Chuma, who visited the scene, said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities, including NOSDRA and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, but no concrete action followed.
“There was a leakage on another section of the Nigeria Gas Company. We wrote to them and submitted a petition to NOSDRA and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment, copying the police for urgent intervention.
“We asked for a joint investigation. We don’t know what they did before they left. Today, we were called to an explosion at the same Nigeria Gas Company pipeline that has destroyed over 50 houses and cars, with many casualties. People have been rushed to the hospital.”
Chuma said no company representative had visited the scene. Residents cordoned off the area and warned people to stay away.
Meanwhile, YEAC-Nigeria Executive Director Dr Fyneface Dumnamene confirmed several hospitalisations and urged relevant authorities to assist affected residents. He said the fire was still burning and had spread to nearby buildings.
