The cause of the inferno which occurred late evening on Friday could not be ascertained as of the time of filing this report.
Our correspondent, however, sighted siren-blowing vehicles of Delta State Fire Service racing towards the scene of the incident which sources said might have resulted from loading activities on the tank farm.
Some residents of neighbouring Ifiekporo, Ugbuwangue, and parts of Edjeba communities, told journalists that the explosion that resulted from the incident caused a very serious quake-like sound that shook the foundation of their buildings.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe, could not be reached for confirmation.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Michael Tidi, has called on residents of Warri metropolis to remain calm, saying the explosion heard in parts of the town on Friday night following the flame at Matrix Tank Farm at Ifiekporo community, “was being contained.”
The Council Chairman, who also called for the intervention of the relevant authorities and government agencies, assured that “the situation has been brought under control as fire service vehicles had been mobilised to the scene and were already containing the inferno.”
The Chief Executive Officer and Safety Manager of Matrix Energy, Alhaji Luqman Salam-Alada and Mr. Fred Olomoro, respectively, reportedly confirmed on the telephone that the situation was under control as of the time of filing this report.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: theeditor[at]punchng.com