No Fewer Than 27 Die In Rivers Explosion From Illegal Refinery

At least, 27 people were confirmed dead yesterday, Thursday, as a result of an explosion at an illegal refinery, also known as “Kpofire” along Kolo Creek in Okaki, a boundary community between Rivers and Bayelsa states.
It was gathered that the incident, which occurred in the early hours, was on account of combustion from the equipment being used by illegal refiners.
Information had it that the equipment is substandard and susceptible to combustion.
This was even as it was also believed that the explosion was caused by a female worker, who lit a match around the oil spill on the ground of refinery site.
“The one at Kolo Creek, I learnt, was caused by a lady who lit a match to prepare noodles and the gas that came with the crude oil enveloped everybody,” an eye witness was quoted as saying.
The eye witness said that at least 27 persons died even as many others got burnt beyond recognition.
It is feared that the death toll could be a lot higher.
The eye witness confirmed that explosions occur more frequently than is reported.
“I learnt that every day, there are unreported cases of deaths as a result of the explosion there. Business is brisk and many people, including the security agents, make huge cash at Kolo Creek.”
A Police source, who confirmed the incident, told newsmen that the exact casualty figure is not yet known, adding that the details are scanty.[myad]