Smoke from gas explosion
By Our Reporter
Panic gripped simr staff of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria as explosions rocked its gas processing plant at Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Tuesday.
The explosion and subsequent fire occurred along a gas pipeline north of Yenagoa near the Tombia-Amassoma road, Bayelsa State, on May 14. The cause of the explosion is unclear.
The incident has caused heavy smoke in the surrounding area. Due to smoke and the emergency response, access to Bayelsa International Airport (BIA) from Yenogoa may be obstructed.
There are no immediate reports of casualties.
The explosion is believed to have occurred on one of the pipelines feeding the gas plant, according to a source at Gbarain, but the cause may be as a result of the activities of vandals.
Following the explosions, the SPDC was alerted, and the firm shut down the line to put out the fire and protect the plant.
The SPDC spokesman, Michael Adande, confirmed the incident, explaining that the explosion occurred close to the gas processing plant, though the cause was not yet known.
Adande said the SPDC is monitoring reports of smoke detected near the central processing facility and was in communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of nearby communities.
He said, “We are actively monitoring reports of smoke detected near our Gbaran Central Processing Facility in Bayelsa State.
“While the source appears to be external to our facility, we are in close communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.”
