The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has reported an explosion incident which occurred on the Gbetiokun field, in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 40, operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), on behalf of the NPDC/Elcrest Joint Venture.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday July 7, 2020 during the installation of a ladder on a platform (Benin River Valve Station) for access during discharging of Gbetiokun production, unfortunately caused 7 fatalities, a release by Kennie Obateru, NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, has said.
The release stated that detailed investigation of the cause of the explosion has commenced, while the Department of Petroleum Resources has been duly notified and Form 41 was being prepared for the Industry regulator as required in circumstances of this nature.
The bodies of casualties have been deposited in a morgue in Sapele, while families of the personnel involved are being contacted by their employers: Weld Affairs and Flow Impact, which are consultants to NPDC.
The release stated that all personnel on board the platform had been fully accounted for.
Mele Kyari, NNPC Group Managing Director, in the statement commiserated with the families of the bereaved, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of their loved ones.
I am very sadden to read about this unfuntunate fatal incident at oml 49. It reminded me of Edwin L. Drake the 1st producer of crude oil in 1859.in Titusville, Pennsylvania in the USA.
May almighty GOD Grant the lost souls peaceful rest.