Shell to investigate Rivers oil pipeline explosion

Port Harcourt -- The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, says an investigation will commence into the oil pipeline fire explosion in Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State by a government-led joint team to ascertain the cause of the incident.

The company also said its technical team was working with governme n t authorities to put out the fire.

Recall that an explosion from an illegal crude oil tapping point on a pipeline which runs through Rumuekpe community, in the early morning of Friday March 3, killed scores of people, burnt beyond recognition, and left many vehicles and tricycles burnt to ashes.

A spokesperson for SPDC, Mr Michael Adande, confirmed that the incident occurred on the Rumuekpe-Nkpoku Trunk Line, operated by the company.

Adanded said the technical team of SPDC was working with

Oil pipeline fire explosion in Rumuekpe community in Emohua government authorities to put out the fire.

“The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) confirms that a fire incident occurred today, Friday March 3, 2023, on the Rumuekpe Nkpoku Trunk Line in Rivers State. Our technical teams are working with relevant government agencies to put out the fire. Thereafter, an investigation into the incident by a government-led joint investigation team will commence to ascertain the cause of the incident,” he said.

Similarly, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the fire explosion with the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, saying preliminary investigation by the Police indicates that the victims were scooping crude product when the site caught fire.