Panic as explosion hits shell gas plant

Loud explosions on Tuesday were heard at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), of Nigeria gas processing plant at Gbarain, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Heavy smoke was seen rising into the sky, raising concerns of gas export disruptions as the gas plant feeds the Nigerian Liquified Natural Gas export terminal in the Bonny Island area of the state.

The explosion is believed to have occurred on one of the pipelines feeding the gas plant, according to a source at Gbarain, but the cause may be as a result of the activities of vandals.

Following the explosions, the SPDC was alerted, and the firm shut down the line to put out the fire and protect the plant.

When contacted, the SPDC spokesman, Michael Adande, confirmed the incident, explaining that the explosion occurred close to the gas processing plant, though the cause was not yet known.

Adande said the SPDC is monitoring reports of smoke detected near the central processing facility and was in communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of nearby communities.

He said, “We are actively monitoring reports of smoke detected near our Gbaran Central Processing Facility in Bayelsa State.

“While the source appears to be external to our facility, we are in close communication with regulatory authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of the surrounding communities.”