By Onome Oghenetega
There was pandemonium at Ifiekporo in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State following an explosion which engulfed the gas depot of Matrix Energy Tank Farm in the community.
The incident, our correspondent gathered on Friday evening, caused palpable tension around the depot and residents of the relatively peaceful community.
It was not clear at the time of filing this report the cause of the explosion but sources told NIGER DELTA TODAY that a loud sound believed to be an explosion was held from the gas section of the depot.
It was however learnt that the incident might have resulted from loading activities at the tank farm.
Our sources disclosed that moment after the explosion, flame of fire engulfed the premises forcing workers and others around the scene to scamper for safety.
It was gathered that teams of firefighters are trying to put out the fire at the time of this story.
No casualty has so far been recorded from the unfortunate incident.
The Chief Operating Officer of Matrix Energy, Mr. Loqman Salam-Alada confirmed the incident when contacted but said the incident was under control and “everybody is safe”.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Warri South LGA of the state, Dr. Michael Tidi, has called on residents of Ifiekporo and Warri to remain calm over the incident.
Tidi said the explosion heard in parts of the town Friday night ( July 8) which was caused by flame at Matrix Tank Farm at Ifiekporo Community, was being contained.
Residents living in Ifiekporo, Ugbuwangue and parts of Edjeba communities in Warri, spoke of occasional earth-shaking sounds around their buildings as a result of the flame.
Dr. Tidi, who has since called on the relevant authorities and government agencies, assured that the situation has been brought under control as fire service vehicles had been mobilized to the scene and were already containing the inferno.
