A devastating explosion has rocked two Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) flow stations near the Cawthorne Channel, off the coast of Bonny in Rivers State, sending shockwaves through local communities and raising concerns over possible fatalities.
The twin blasts, which occurred on Wednesday evening, engulfed the facilities in raging flames, with thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The affected flow stations, located approximately 30 nautical miles from Bonny’s coastline, are critical to Nigeria’s oil and gas operations, heightening fears of a major disruption to production.
Videos circulating on social media depict the horrifying aftermath, as fire devours the installations while residents, many in speedboats, watch helplessly from a distance. Reports suggest the inferno erupted around 3 PM, allegedly triggered by a welding mishap.
A social media user identified as Jahmal shared footage of the burning stations, urging an immediate government response.
> “Two NNPC flow stations close to Cawthorne Channel 1, which is near the border between Bonny and Degema, have been consumed by fire. The fire broke out Wednesday at 3 PM according to witnesses. This is an urgent call to action for FG to safeguard the environment and aquatic life,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Community sources confirmed that NNPCL officials swiftly visited the site, though the company has yet to release an official statement. Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command has acknowledged the incident, stating that investigations are underway.
> “Yes, we are aware of it. The details are very sketchy for now, but we have sent our men there for investigation,” said the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko.
Authorities are still working to determine the number of casualties, the extent of damage to oil production, and whether there has been a significant oil spill.
This latest disaster underscores growing concerns over safety standards in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, where pipeline explosions, facility fires, and environmental pollution have become alarmingly frequent. Stakeholders are calling for a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences and ensure better safety measures in oil-producing regions.
As the nation awaits official reports, anxiety mounts over the potential economic and environmental repercussions of this inferno.
Watch the video Link on X here:
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