Two oil workers escape death in Consolidated Oil Company rig explosion in Bayelsa

Global Patriot Staff September 29, 2017 Local, News Leave a comment 784 Views

CHINEDU WOSU, YENAGOA

At least two oil workers were injured following a fire outbreak at an oil field operated by an indigenous oil firm, Consolidated Oil Company, at Akassa, Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.

Although the identities of the injured persons were not made public as at the time of this report, the victims have been taken to an undisclosed hospital for treatment.

The fire incident is feared to have been caused by an explosion by Niger Delta militants.

The incident happened in the early morning of Friday, causing serious panic among workers and operators of the rig.

Community sources near the oilfield and security sources dismissed the allegation that the explosion was caused by militants, insisting that the fire was caused by an electrical fault, which caused colossal damage.

“The enormity of the fire hampered initial rescue efforts which is expected in an oil and gas environment, but the emergency response systems were activated in the facility and the fire was put out.

“Two of the casualties who sustained injuries in the incident were rescued and have been stabilized after getting medical attention.

“The facility has been shut down and the area is calm,” the source said.

A security source in the area, who confirmed the fire incident stressed that “The fire incident is an operational mishap and has nothing to do with militants so it is within the operational levels in the company and they are currently assessing the damage done by the fire.”

Contacted for comment, Police Public Relations Officer, Bayelsa State, Mr Asinim Butswat, a Deputy Superintendent of Police DSP said the Police was aware of the incident but had sketchy information which was yet to be put together.

Efforts to get a reaction from the oil firm on the volume of production affected by the incident were unsuccessful.