The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has disclosed that the explosion in Abule Ado community in Lagos State today was caused by a truck striking gas cylinders in the area, according to a statement released by NNPC. The gas cylinders were stacked in a gas processing plant near the corporation’s system 2B Pipeline Right of Way.
Preliminary findings revealed that the impact of the explosion resulted in the collapse of nearby houses and damage to NNPC pipeline. Efforts are being made to control the ensuing fire, and NNPC’s Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, along with other top management, has departed for an on-site assessment of the incident.
The press release signed by NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, explained that the explosion caused the collapse of nearby houses and damage to NNPC pipeline. Following the explosion report, NNPC immediately halted pumping operations on the Atlas Cove-Mosimi pipeline and mobilized its in-house combined team, alongside the Lagos State Fire Service, to contain the fire.
NNPC reassured the public that the temporary shutdown of the petroleum products pipeline would not disrupt the normal supply of products to Lagos and its environs. The Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, expressed condolences to the victims of the incident, praying for their comfort in this difficult time.