The Explosion Scene 

A massive explosion has ripped through two Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) flow stations near the Cawthorne Channel, off the coast of Bonny in Rivers State, destroying key facilities and raising fears of casualties.

The twin blasts, which occurred on Wednesday evening, sent plumes of fire and smoke into the sky, leaving surrounding communities in panic.

The affected flow stations, situated about 30 nautical miles from Bonny’s coastline, are vital components of the country’s oil and gas operations.

Videos circulating on social media show raging flames consuming the facilities, while locals observed the destruction from speedboats.

Witnesses claimed the fire erupted around 3pm after what was suspected to be a welding operation went wrong.

A social media user, identified as Jahmal, shared footage of the burning stations, calling for urgent intervention from the federal government.

“Two NNPC flow stations close to Cawthorne Channel 1, which is near the border between Bonny and Degema, have been consumed by fire. The fire broke out Wednesday at 3 PM according to witnesses. This is an urgent call to action for FG to safeguard the environment and aquatic life,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The Cawthorne Channel, a crucial hub for oil and gas operations, sits at the boundary between Bonny and Degema Local Government Areas of Rivers State.

The extent of damage to oil production and environmental impact remains unclear.

Community sources disclosed that officials of the NNPC were notified and have since visited the site, though the company has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command also confirmed the explosion, stating that investigations were underway.

“Yes, we are aware of it. The details are very sketchy for now, but we have sent our men there for investigation,” the command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, was quoted by newsmen.

Authorities are yet to ascertain whether there were casualties or significant oil spills as a result of the incident.

The explosion has once again highlighted concerns over safety lapses in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, where accidents of this nature have been recurrent.

Reported explosion of a flow station at Cawthorne Channel yesterday in Rivers State. pic.twitter.com/inSjUY1vzn

— Paul Ashiekaa (@Paul_bem) February 20, 2025

Two NNPC flow stations close to Cawthorne Channel 1, which is near the border between Bonny and Degema, have been consumed by fire.

The fire broke out Wednesday at 3 PM according to witnesses.

This is an urgent call to action for FG to safeguard the environment and aquatic life pic.twitter.com/RnEoMoa1oR

— Jahmal of Port Harcourt (@Big_Sinudo) February 20, 2025

– Sahara Reporters

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