Nigeria: Massive explosion in oil refinery kills over 50 people, several others injured

More than 50 people were burnt to death and several ors were injured following an explosion at an illegal oil refinery in souastern Nigeria, state officials and police said on Saturday. fire that was reported to have spre to nearby properties might have claimed lives of more than 100, said a Lagos-based Punch newspaper report. 

Nigeria oil refinery accident

On Friday night, fire broke out and quickly spre to two fuel storage areas at illegal crude oil refinery, causing complex to be “engulfed by fire which spre rapidly” within area, said Declan Emelumba, Imo State Commissioner for information. Emelumba ded that cause of fire, extent of deaths, injuries, and damage were being investigated

“A lot of people died. people who died are all illegal operators,” said Michael Abattam, spokesman of Imo State Police Command. 

Imo state government declared owner of refinery a wanted individual, an official said.

In Nigeria where illegal refineries are common, allows shy business operators often avoid regulations and taxes by setting up refineries in remote areas, out of sight of authorities. 

Despite being Africa’s largest producer of crude oil, Nigeria has very few official refineries and as a result, most gasoline and or fuels are imported, creating an opening for illegal refinery operators. It is to be noted that crude oil production in oil-rich Niger Delta region is widely affected due to illegal practices. 

Furr, as a measure to stop stealing of country's oil resources, government has deployed military to raid and destroy illegal refineries in Niger delta. 

(With AP input)

(Image: AP/Representative)