The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Rivers State, says the fire in ibaa community in Emohua LGA of the state was caused by a local refinery cooking pot constructed close to an oil reservoir which contained combustible materials.
Commandant of the Corps, Basil Igwebueze disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
According to him, the fire started very late on Sunday night and that 18 victims were burnt beyond recognition while 25 persons were injured.
He said while the owner of the illegal refinery identified as John Bodo sustained severe injuries, his son, Uche Bodo, who just graduated died at the spot.
He added that a pregnant woman and a lady who was about-to-wed were among victims of the fire.
“The fire outbreak started at a very late hour hence 18 victims were burnt beyond recognition while 25 injured persons were rescued,” he said.
“The burning temperature eventually became too high and the environment gutted fire. We also gathered that the cooking pot belong to one Mr John Bodo who sustained severe fire injuries while his son, Uche John Bodo a fresh graduate died on the spot.
“It is also lamentable to relay that most of the victim were youths; then a pregnant woman and a young lady getting ready for her marriage ceremony next month were all casualties,” he added.
