An unspecified number of persons have feared dead after a crude oil tapping point in Rumuekpe community in Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State exploded in the early hours of today March 3.
One of the buses loaded with crude oil went up in flames while trying to navigate to an illegal refining point in the area. The explosion caused an inferno that burnt dozens of people including women beyond recognition. The incident, which occurred along the Trans-Niger Delta Pipeline (TNP), also burnt many vehicles and tricycles to ashes.
It was gathered that persons around the tapping point, who had either loaded the crude or waited for their turns were all killed by the explosion.
The Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the incident and said investigation has commenced.