By OKECHUKWU PEACE
About twelve oil workers have were confirmed dead on Thursday in a pipeline explosion which occurred at Agip’s oil fields in Azuzuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Three others were injured during a joint Investigation Visit by the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), the operators of the oil field, was underway at the time of the explosion at an oil spill site.
Officials of NAOC, the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment and representatives of the host community were involved in that investigation.
According to a statement issued by Eni spokesman Filipo Cotalini, the parent company of NAOC, said the explosion occurred at the site of the repair works of the Tebidaba-Clough Creek line, an oil pipeline previously damaged by acts of sabotage.
“The explosion resulted in the death of 12 members of the maintenance team of a local company of services, with 3 others being injured,” he said, adding that the incident was being investigated by Eni and the local authorities.
“The company expresses its deepest condolences to the families involved in this tragic accident,” the firm stated.
A source in the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment confirmed that its staff on the visit was unhurt.
