At Least Three Die As Fire Guts Another Illegal Refinery In Abia

Just a few weeks after more than 100 persons died in a fire outbreak in an illegal refinery in Imo State, about three persons have died in another incident in Abia State.

Their death was as a result of a fire explosion at their illegal refinery situated in Uzuaku Community in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the God’s Own State.

The casualties included a husband and wife, as well as a male adult reported to be the only son of his family.

The incident, which was said to have caused anguish in the homes of many families in the community, happened on Friday night.

News sources say the Shell pipeline that services the Uzuaku/Owaza axis has not had crude oil running through it for some weeks, leading to the stoppage of illegal oil bunkering activities in the area.

The resumption of reticulation of crude oil through the pipeline within the week might have prompted the illegal refinery operators to go back to their business.

A community leader, who confirmed the incident, said while the persons that were burnt to death at the scene of the incident were buried immediately, a few others died later at the hospital and some were still recovering.