By Joel Grandball,
Explosion on Wednesday, October 16 rocked a Gas carrying WELL HEAD operated by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC in Okpare-Olomu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The cause of the explosion, which occurred at WELL 36, Utorogu at noon hours of the day is yet to be unravelled but sources said, it could be as a result of over pressure.
It was gathered that one of the security guard at the Oil Well, (name withheld) narrowly escape death as the explosion knocked him down.
According to sources, “Volumes of Gas liquid has engulfed the air and may lead inferno if urgent measures is not put in place by the oil company.
Speaking, a community leader who gave his name as Mr. Freeman Aghoshe, said, “In 2013 when an oil drilling company came to drill in that particular Well, advised that the Location needs at least six well heads instead of the the two that is presently erected because of the excess volume of gas discovered in the location and the pressure might be too much for the two head.
Mr. Freeman Aghoshe however advised NPDC not to only come for maintenance but adhere to advice of the oil company to add more Well Heads.
Blaming the oil company for negligent, Mr. Aghoshe held that the continuous negligence of the company is causing hazardous effect on the community.” He said.
The affected Oil Well head accommodates the Oil Mining Lease, OML 36 pipelines operated by the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company, NPDC/HERITAGE.
Though some staff of Heritage Energy Company have arrived the scene but repair work has not commenced.
When contacted, the Community Relation of Officer, Chief Otobrise directed our reporter to one James Edirin Abawhan whom he said is the Chief Operating Officer to Heritage.
