Eni Revises Death Toll in Nigeria's Oil Pipeline Fire to 13

Italy's Eni reported Saturday that with regards to the fire that occurred July 9 at the site of the repair works of the Tebidaba-Clough Creek line in Nigeria, the company announced with regret that one of the three people injured died at the hospital. The incident therefore caused a total of 13 deaths and 2 injuries.

The pipeline is located in Nigeria’s onshore Niger Delta and was previously damaged by acts of sabotage.

Eni also states that, following initial investigations that the company is carrying out in collaboration with local authorities, it appears likely that the fire was triggered by the people who previously worked on this pipeline to illegally obtain crude oil. Some local witnesses have reported seeing saboteurs, upon arrival of the intervention team to repair the pipeline, at the point of theft of the oil where the same saboteurs had installed a specific valve.

Eni will continue to work with local authorities in collecting information useful to reconstruct the dynamics of the accident and the related responsibilities.

The CEO of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, said: "All of Eni rallies around their colleagues in Nigeria and the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic event. Sorrow for the loss of so many lives is now compounded by dismay and upset at the details of events that are now emerging regarding the incident. We reiterate our determination to shed full light on the matter, in close cooperation with local authorities."