–Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) –Edited by Albert OGRAKA:

* Dein Of Agbor Donates 1Mn To Support Victims

* Blood Donors Wanted, As Govt Hospital Lacks Facilities

Blank NEWS Online can reveal that unverified number of casualties and properties may have been lost in a gas explosion that rocked Agbor, Ika South local government area of Delta state on Friday.

Some claims have indicated that over 30 persons are confirmed dead with many sustaining various degree of burns from the gas fire and 20 houses burnt.

It has also been reported that the General Hospital, Agbor was unable to attend to many of the burnt survivors due to lack of equipment to handle such degree of burns.

Few survivors, who suffered various degree of burns were seen running aimlessly from the site of the explosion, begging for urgent help from onlookers.

Some of the survivors who were rescued by some Good Nigerians from Ika, were allegedly turned back, while some later died waiting for medical attention.
.
The cause of the huge explosion which occurred late Friday evening, from Osadebe Oil and Gas Company Limited, located along Lagos/Asaba Express way, Agbor is yet to be disclosed by relevant authorities.

However, His Royal Majesty, Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor Kingdom who made a donation of N1,000,000.00 to support the victims has called for wholistic investigation into the cause of the unfortunate incident.

Several residential buildings, economic palms trees, vehicles and motorcycles near the gas plant were allegedly burnt beyond recognition.

Meanwhile, appeals have been made to public spirited individuals to donate blood to some of the survivors who are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

“Good morning brothers and trust we are all well. As we are aware of the gas accident in Agbor yesterday leaving many people dead and several others hospitalised, we are appealing to those who are medically fit to go to General Hospital Agbor to donate blood to the victims. God bless us all as we rise to this occasion.” This appeal was made by an indigene who does not want his name in print.

Also, His Royal Majesty, Keagborekuzi 1, Dein of Agbor Kingdom has called for calm and deeply condoles with all who were affected by the incident and prays for quick healing for those who sufferd various degrees of burns and some lossing their lives.

A statement signed by Akaraka Nkem Oghonim, Dein Suo Ajeen Of Agbor and made available to Blank NEWS Online on Saturday, disclosed that His Majesty has graciously made a cash donation of one million naira,#1,000,000.00 to support the victims, and directed the council of Agbor chiefs to coordinate the fund with proper and faultless account, while encouraging Deltans donate into the victims support funds .

As at the time of filling this report, no official statement has been received by this Editor from the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) Delta State Fire Service, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information and other relevant government agencies.