Pipeline explosion ‘kills 12’ in Bayelsa

Twelve people were killed in a pipeline explosion that occurred in Tebidaba-Clough Creek line, an oil facility owned by Eni, an Italian firm.

Three persons were also said to have sustained injuries in the accident which happened in Bayelsa state on Thursday afternoon.

Eni said it was investigating the incident, adding that the pipeline involved had been sabotaged in the past.

“Eni informs that an explosion occurred yesterday, 9 July late afternoon, at the site of the repair works of the Tebidaba-Clough Creek line, an oil pipeline in Nigeria’s onshore Niger Delta, previously damaged by acts of sabotage,” the company said in a statement.

“The explosion resulted in the death of 12 members of the maintenance team of a local company of services, with 3 others being injured.

“The causes of the incident are still under investigation by both Eni and the local authorities. The company expresses its deepest condolences to the families involved in this tragic accident.”