At least three persons who survived a fire incident, that resulted from an explosion, that killed 20 persons at an illegal refinery camp in Kolo Creek, Ogbia Community in Bayelsa state have narrated their ordeals and narrow escape.
The survivors who gave their names as Timi Gaji, male, 21, from Southern Ijaw; Benjamin Theophilus, male, 20, from Elebele community and James Meshack, 21, from Delta State said the inferno was caused by an explosion from a cooking stove used by an unnamed lady.
The victims said they were taken to the Cottage Hospital Otuasiga for medical attention immediately the explosion took place at the illegal refinery camp.
The incident, which happened on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 caused a huge panic in Ogbia community after 20 persons were confirmed dead.
The fire from the explosion was said to have spread quickly consuming everybody in the camp except the three persons, who escaped by the whiskers but with severe burns.
Sources said, charred remains of the victims were seen littered in the area as sympathizers trooped to the scene of the incident.
“When we got there, I almost vomited. I saw charred remains of people. They were burnt beyond recognition. In some cases, you could only see heads and feet of victims. Despite the burnt bodies, we still met people illegally cooking crude oil there,” the source said.
“The activities of these criminals constitute economic sabotage to the nation as well as endangering lives and property as any explosion on this pipeline may lead to disaster.”
The identities of the victims were not made public as they were burnt beyond recognition.
When contacted, the State’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Butswat Asinim, confirmed the explosion but said that only a few persons died while others sustained injuries.
Asinim, however, refused to confirm a letter from the commissioner of police to heads of other security agencies about the existence of the camp before the explosion.
“There was a fire outbreak at an illegal bunkering camp at Ebelebiri and Otuegwe II community. Few persons were feared to have been burnt to death while others sustained severe burns,” the PPRO said.
