A tragic incident unfolded in the forest of Obitti, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, as many individuals are feared to have lost their lives in a devastating explosion. The catastrophe reportedly occurred after a tanker, suspected to be employed by oil bunkerers, exploded in the vicinity.
The unfortunate incident took place on Tuesday at Ndorama Pipeline in the Obitti Rubber Estate of Ohaji/Egbema Local Government, according to information obtained by The PUNCH. A viral video on social media captured the aftermath, where an eyewitness narrated, “Vandals came to vandalize the pipeline right of way. This place is called Ndorama Pipeline, right of way.”
The eyewitness further detailed that the suspected oil bunkers arrived at the location in a tanker, delved into the ground, located the pipeline, and proceeded to tap and siphon the oil into the tanker concealed in the bush. Unfortunately, their endeavors took a tragic turn as the tanker exploded, resulting in numerous casualties. The eyewitness described the grim scene, stating, “They used long hoses, connected them to the pipe, but unfortunately, luck ran out of them. It exploded and killed many of them. You can see some of them burnt to ashes. Some of them, their bodies are still burning. The tanker is still burning.”
Confirming the incident, Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed in an interview on Thursday that an investigation team has been deployed to the scene to ascertain the immediate cause of the incident and apprehend those involved. The number of casualties has yet to be officially confirmed.
Details will follow as the investigation progresses.