Two Chevron Workers Die In Explosion At Billion Dollar Gas Project In Delta

BEVERLY HILLS, April 05, (THEWILL) – At least two persons, identified as contract staffs of Chevron Nigeria Limited, have been confirmed dead in a chemical explosion at the multi billion dollar Escravos Gas To Liquid (EGTL) Project in Escravos, Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State.

The explosion which reportedly shook the foundation of the gas plant occured around 10am on Tuesday, leaving two dead and many reportedly injured.

Industry sources told THEWILL that the explosion, which caused heavy tension and uncertainty within Escravos, was massive; but could not ascertain the level of damage caused to the gas plant.

THEWILL couldn’t independently verified what led to the explosion but a source from the plant said it was not an act of sabotage contrary to earlier speculations that militants had blown up the plant.

Sources disclosed that some personnel were working inside a component in the gas plant when suddenly they heard an explosion and part of the plant went in flames.

When contacted, the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA), Warri, Commodore Raimi Mohammed, confirmed the explosion, saying that it was not an act of sabotage adding that security operatives are already investigating the incident.

Reacting to the incident, the General Manager, Policies, Government and Public Affairs, Chevron Nigeria Limited, Deji Haastrap in a brief message to journalists in Warri said it was not chemical explosion but a fire outbreak but he only confirmed the death of one and an injured staff.

“There was no gas explosion. A fire broke out in a container storage at Escravos. It was quickly put out. Sadly an employee of a contractor company was injured and another died. The safety of all the workforce including contractors remains our first priority”, he added.

Story by Joe Ogbodu