100 killed in Nigeria gas explosion

Risingbd Desk: Nigerian media has reported that an industrial gas plant exploded Thursday. Some reports suggest over 100 people have died, while others are reporting “dozens” or 49 people, media reports on Friday.

The explosion occurred at a Chicason gas plant in the heart of the ancient town of Nnewi, Anambra state.

Unlike many of the foreign oil companies, whose oil spills and exploitation have seen great environmental damage and repression of Nigerians, Chicason is a private, multinational conglomerate made up of more than 13 companies and affiliated businesses that was started off in Nigeria, and is now based around Africa.

The blast, followed by a huge fire, took place at Inter Corp Oil limited (liquefied petroleum gas plant), a subsidiary of Chikason. It shook nearby buildings.

An eyewitness told Naji that the incident started at about 11 a.m. local time and was caused by an explosion that happened because a truck discharged its contents without waiting for the mandatory cooling time. At the same time, customers were said to be refilling their gas cylinders.

risingbd/Dec 25, 2015/Nasim