Get Guardian on Google
At least two oil workers were injured in an early morning fire outbreak at an oil rig operated by an indigenous oil firm at Akassa, Brass Council of Bayelsa State.
The fire incident was earlier feared to be caused by an explosion by Niger Delta militants at an oilfield operated by Consolidated Oil Company.But community sources said it was as a result of an electrical fault.
“The enormity of the fire hampered initial rescue efforts and it is expected in an oil and gas environment, but the emergency response systems were activated in the facility and the fire was put out.
[ad]
“However, two of the people who sustained injuries in the incident were rescued and have been stabilised and getting medical attention.”The facility has been shut down and the area is calm, ” the source said.
Another security source in the area confirmed the fire incident and allayed fears that it was a militant attack.”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,” the source said.
Mr. Asinim Butswat, Police spokesman, said they are aware of the incident but had sketchy information, which was yet to be put together. Efforts to get a reaction from the oilfirm on the volume of production affected by the incident were unsuccessful.
