A gas explosion has been reportedly averted as fire engulfed a hydrocarbon facility operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), in Egbokodo community of Warri South council area of Delta state.
The Nation learnt that the fire incident occurred at about 1pm Monday; covering about 200 feet land mass of the hydrocarbon line linking the Warri River Manifold.
However, the timely intervention of fire fighters from the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC), Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), as well as HEOSL, saved the situation.
According to reports, the inferno was caused by fireworks thrown on a bush path that cuts across the hydrocarbon line.
Two unidentified children returning from school were alleged to have thrown the substance that triggered the flames.
Vice chairman of the Egbokodo Community Trust, Mr. Sunny Atiwa, noted that the fire would have claimed lives and properties, if not for the quick response of the fire service men.
Another community source who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the said line had been initially tampered, attributing the swift raging fire to the activities of oil bunkering in the area.
Meanwhile the chairman of Warri South council area, Dr. Michael Tidi, has reiterated his call for extreme caution during the harmattan season while inspecting the scene of the near disaster.
He was represented by his vice, Chief Divine Iniovasa.
The general manager, community relations of HEOSL in the state, declined commenting on the matter but referred this reporter to the Corporate Communications Department in Lagos.
When reached for comments, a member of the HEOSL corporate communications team in Lagos, claimed not to be aware of the development.
“I have not heard about it. I’m just leaving the office and no information came to that effect. I will need to call the guys in Warri to ask them,” he said, adding that our correspondent call back Tuesday for response.
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