NNPC Pipeline Explodes In Warri

Reports just reaching Thatnaija.blogspot.com have that a pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in Warri main town, Delta state, has exploded resulting in a massive inferno that appears to be burning uncontrollably.


The scene of the pipeline explosion
The cause of the fire which erupted close to the Mammy Barracks, not far from a shopping mall in the area has not yet been ascertained. Our correspondent at the scene reports that the fire fighters who arrived to battle the inferno are just watching helplessly saying they can do little or nothing to put out the fire.



The difficulties faced by the authorities in controlling the flame follows from the fact that the explosion erupted from three spots in the pipeline and extends to about two kilometres into the bush. As at the time of filing in this report, the fire was still burning uncontrollably.

Most pipeline explosions in time past have been blamed on the activities of oil thieves. Just yesterday suspected illegal oil bunkers engaged soldiers attached to Operation Messa in gun battle at 4th Avenue, Festac area of Lagos state.
The newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral I.E. Ibas, has vowed to use all the available resources at his disposal to confront crude oil thieves and other criminals in the maritime sector of the country.