20 injured, 50 houses damaged as gas pipeline explodes in Rivers

At least 20 people have reportedly been injured and about 50 houses damaged following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

According to PUNCH, the explosion occurred around 5pm on Thursday after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company ruptured along Old Bori Road in Aleto.

The report said several victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the blast also damaged stalls and a mechanic workshop where vehicles were parked.

Residents said the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. They added that community leaders had notified the company about the leak but that no adequate measures were taken to address the situation.

The report said those affected included passers-by and traders operating in the area.

Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, who visited the scene, said he had written to the company about the leak and petitioned relevant authorities, but no concrete action was taken to prevent the explosion.

Chuma also said no representative of the company had visited the scene since the incident.

He added that community members had taken steps to secure the area and prevent further casualties.

A video circulating on social media shows residents scampering for safety as the explosion occurred.

Blessing Agabe, the police spokesperson in Rivers State, was not immediately available to confirm the incident.