Many feared killed in Imo explosion

A tanker suspected of being used by oil bunkerers exploded in the forest of Obitti, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, Imo State, leaving many people severely burned.

Tuesday saw the incident at the Ndorama Pipeline in the state's Obitti Rubber Estate under the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government.

An eyewitness stated, "Vandals came to vandalise pipeline right of way," in a social media video that went viral. Right of way, this is the Ndorama Pipeline.

They arrived at the location in a tanker that was allegedly used for the unauthorised bunkering. After drilling a long way beneath the surface, they found the pipeline and proceeded to tap and empty the oil into a tanker that was parked inside the bush.
"Unfortunately, their luck ran out as they utilised long hoses to connect them to the pipe. Numerous people died when it exploded. Some of them are visible as ashes. There are some whose bodies are still burning. There is still fire in the tanker.

Imo State Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye confirmed the incident in an interview with our correspondent on Thursday. He stated that an investigation team had been formed by the command to find the incident's immediate cause and apprehend those responsible.

"To determine the cause of the fire, our team has arrived at the scene," he declared.
As he stated they have, Okoye withheld the number of casualties from the incident as he said they have yet to ascertain that.

Details later…