Delta: Five fleeing from tank farm fire explosion drown, corpses recovered

Five bodies of persons fleeing the scene of the fire explosion that rocked the tank farm of Matrix Energy Limited at Ifiekporo in Warri South council area of Delta State have been recovered along the bank of Warri River.

The victims whose identities were yet to be ascertained were recovered by local divers on Sunday.

Reports say the deceased five were among those scampering for safety when the fire broke out in the gas section of the tank farm on Friday evening.

They were reportedly outside the tank farm premises.

A delegation of the Delta State Government on Saturday stated that no death was recorded but confirmed 12 persons were injured during the incident.

Matrix Group Head of Safety, Mr. Fred Olomuro, confirmed the latest development.

“Today (Sunday) afternoon, local divers from our host community recovered five lifeless bodies that drowned, probably while fleeing for safety during the fire incident on Friday. Where they died is some distance from the scene of the fire.

“Most offices had closed for business on that fateful day. Their bodies were recovered along the bank of the river away from our premises where the incident occurred.

“We’re greatly pained by the loss of these victims. We are already in touch with the family of the victims. We commiserate with the families on this unfortunate incident,” Olomuro stated.

A community source, who spoke in confidence and confirmed “only four bodies” were recovered, said that efforts are still on to identify the victims.

He also disclosed that the local divers suspect that there may be other victims, which is why the search would continue on Monday.