An explosion from the Abura Crude Trunk line operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) has rocked the Delta community of Out-Jeremi, in Ughelli south local government area.

The explosion which occurred around 1.30pm in the afternoon was said to have thrown the community in tension as residents who lived close to the pipeline scamper for safety as a result of crude oil gushing out of the trunk line.

The affected trunk line accommodates OML 34 pipeline which is a joint venture operated by NPDC and ND WESTERN. 

Soldiers have since cordoned off the area while firefighters were trying to put off the fire to ensure it did not cause much damage.

When contacted, the NPDC head of community relations Mr Otobise promised to call back but did not, while the head of NPDC security Lt. Col. Oyekan retired did not return the calls when our correspondent called.

In the same vein, the commander Nigerian Army sector one Colonel Habib Manu confirmed the report but said the cause is unknown.

No militant groups have claimed responsibility as a result of the explosion