The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed that no fewer than 18 persons were burned to death in the blast that occurred at an illegal refining site in Ibaa community, Emuoha Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident occurred late Sunday night when some residents of the community were scooping petroleum products.
Earlier, a source in the community had said the explosion occurred when one of the containers that were to be used to refine some quantity of crude oil into finished products caught fire.
He said the number of casualties could not be ascertained by the community, but it is believed that many people were at the site.
However, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying 18 people died in the incident.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Olufemi Ayodele, said the victims were burned beyond recognition.
He stated that 25 others were rescued with injuries, adding that preliminary findings revealed that the site is owned by one John Bodo who also sustained severe burns, while his son Uche John Bodo, a fresh graduate, died in the blast.
The NSCDC identified other victims as a pregnant woman and a young lady, who was preparing for her marriage ceremony scheduled for next month.
Oil theft is a major problem in Nigeria, an OPEC member and one of the continent’s largest petroleum producers.