Report illegal operators to nearest DPR office - DPR

—Blames Kaduna gas explosion on illegal transfer to cylinders

Abiodun OBA |

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has called on the public to assist it by reporting the activities of illegal operators to the nearest DPR office.

DPR Head, Public Affairs Mr Paul Osu, made the call in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

“We appeal to members of the public to continue to assist in reporting the activities of illegal operators to the nearest DPR office,

Osu further revealed, that, preliminary investigations have revealed that the Kaduna gas explosion was caused by illegal decanting (transfer) of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) into another cylinder by operators of the facility.

“In line with our regulatory oversight on the oil and gas industry, the agency immediately mobilized our staff to the scene to investigate the cause of the explosion.

“We wish to inform the public that we are carrying out further investigations on the incident, and we will update as soon as we conclude.

“The department will continue to monitor and sensitize members of the public on the safe handling of petroleum products to prevent the occurrence of incidences like this”, he said.

According to him, the DPR was saddened by the unfortunate incident which occurred at an unlicensed LPG retail shop in Kaduna state, resulting in fatalities.

Recall that several persons lost their lives and many others were burnt in the gas explosion at Sabon Tasha area of Kaduna metropolis on Jan. 4 at about 1:00 p.m.