By Eseoghene Emuke
The Trans-Forcados Pipeline connecting the Forcados Export Terminal in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has been gutted by raging fire.
Nigeria could lose over 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day following the fire outbreak in the export line.
The incident, WARRI TODAY, occurred around the Chanomi creek of Yeye Community at about 11:45pm on Saturday night.
Chairman of Yeye community, Pastor Philip Fianka, also confirmed the incident to newsmen in the early hours of Monday.
Although, it was not clear what led to the fire outbreak, sources said the inferno occurred at a site where repair works were ongoing at spill site.
Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL) is the joint venture operator of the Trans-Forcados Pipeline. The export facility conveys about 14% of Nigeria’s total daily output, carrying crude from about 7 oil blocks across the oil-rich region.
Also confirming the development, renowned environmental activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade said he had been informed of the fire outbreak, but was yet to lay hands on details of it, adding that he would reach back as soon as he had more valuable information.
The General Manager, Community Relations of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL), Mr Sylvester Okoh, said the fire occurred at a crude oil spill site along the pipeline.
According to Okon, “At about 2300hrs on 19 May 2019, a fire incident was reported at the crude oil spill site along the TF pipeline around Yeye Community. It was gathered that the fire occurred due to excessive heat from a pumping machine which was being used to transfer crude oil from the spill site into a barge.
“The fire was reported to have destroyed some equipment at the scene. The houseboat and gunboats were safely relocated from the scene of the fire incident.”
