An explosion, which happened inside a compound in Ozuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Governor Area of Rivers State, has set a building and another close to it on fire.
Though sources said no life was lost during the explosion, which happened at about 5.30pm Thursday, the incident caused serious panic among residents of the area.
Our correspondent gathered that the explosion was caused by an illegal refining of stolen crude oil in the said compound.
Sources said the explosion caused a thick smoke within the place, a development that forced motorists to take alternative routes to their various destinations.
A source, who identified herself as Molly, said she saw thick smoke in the air near her residence and decided to find out what the problem was.
“I heard that there was an explosion where some people were said to have engaged in illegal refining of crude oil. This is madness; how would any person in his right senses do that?” Molly queried.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, said preliminary investigation revealed that the explosion was caused by an illegal refining of stolen crude.
Omoni explained that policemen had raced to the building, where the explosion occurred before finding out what led to the explosion. Punch
