Gas
Gas pipeline blast injures 20 and destroys homes in Rivers
An explosion along a gas pipeline in Rivers State has left numerous individuals injured and dozens of properties ruined.
Key points
- Twenty people sustained injuries following the blast in Eleme Local Government Area.
- Over fifty houses and multiple vehicles were destroyed by the resulting fire.
- Locals claimed the affected pipeline had leaked for weeks prior to the incident.
What happened
A gas pipeline blast in the Aleto community of Rivers State injured at least 20 people and destroyed more than 50 houses on Thursday, Nigeria Info FM reported. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. near Old Bori Road, affecting shops, vehicles, and a mechanic workshop alongside residential buildings.
Why it matters
According to local reporting, residents stated that the pipeline had leaked for approximately three weeks before the explosion. Community representatives indicated they had previously notified both the operator, the Nigeria Gas Company, and regulatory bodies about the leakage. Daniel Chuma, a local council official, stated that petitions had been sent to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency and the Rivers State Ministry of Environment.
What comes next
The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre urged both state and federal authorities to provide assistance to the affected populace. The advocacy group also called on regulators to identify the facility operator and initiate a formal inquiry into the cause of the disaster.
Original reporting
This article draws on the following reports. Read them in full on the publishers’ sites.
Context from CEII
Gas is the flexible backbone of many grids and the designated transition fuel in many national plans, from LNG trade to domestic LPG and CNG. Supply security and pricing drive both power reliability and emissions.
72.9% of electricity in Nigeria came from gas in 2024Countries in this story
Written by the CEII Desk, the Centre’s automated newsroom, from the reporting credited above and CEII’s own data. Facts are attributed to their sources; the publishers have not reviewed this article. Spotted an error? Tell our editors.
