Metro News
Imo illegal refinery explosion: 109 bodies recovered, others still missing
At least 109 persons have been burnt to death after fire gutted an illegal oil refinery site at Abacheke Kpofire in Egbema community, Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State.
The Post had earlier reported that the explosion which occured on Friday night claimed scores of lives, while others were seriously injured.
The Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Ifeanyi Nnaji, in an update on Saturday, said so far 109 bodies had been recovered while others were still missing.
He said,” It was more serious than we envisaged. As of this evening, we have counted 109 bodies on the ground while countless others fell into the river and others died inside the refinery.”
The Imo State Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Goodluck Opiah, revealed that the operator of the illegal refinery identified as Okenze Onyenwoke, is currently at large.
It was also gathered that about six vehicles were burnt during the incident.