35 people die in a fire at an illicit oil refinery in Rivers

Last night, tragedy struck our community as a fire erupted at an illicit oil refining site. I, along with more than 45 others, found ourselves entangled in the grim consequences.

As a member of this close-knit neighborhood, I, Emmanuel Daniel, bear witness to the heart-wrenching events that unfolded when victims gathered to engage in the trade of petroleum products. The flames, born at the refining site, mercilessly consumed those present.

The impact of this disaster extended its reach, touching the lives of people from Isiokpo Kingdom in Ikwerre Local Government Area, as well as Ibaa and Oduoha in Emohua LGA.

In my firsthand account, I observed over 40 individuals immersed in the process of scooping and bagging crude oil when the tranquil night turned into chaos. The fire originated from a refining site proximate to the area where we were packaging the crude.

In the aftermath, the grim toll unfolded. Seven souls perished within the pit where they were diligently collecting the crude, while approximately 10 others suffered severe burns in that perilous environment.

The devastating incident claimed the lives of about 30 people at the site, and over 15 were urgently rushed to the hospital. Regrettably, I’ve heard that three more lives were lost in the frantic attempt to transport them to medical care.

This calamity has cast a pall over our community, leaving us grappling with the profound sorrow of the lives lost.