An explosion that occurred at an illegal oil refinery in Uzuaku Community, Abia State, South East Nigeria has claimed at least 10 lives.
Although three persons reportedly died at the scene of the incident which occurred on Friday evening, seven others died in the hospital where they were rushed to, for medical treatment.
This is coming barely two weeks after a deadly explosion at another illegal refinery claimed over 100 lives in Ohaji Egbema, Imo State.
Sources say, the casualties who died at the spot were a couple and the only son of another family.
The Shell pipeline that services the Uzuaku/Owaza axis has not had crude oil for some weeks leading to the stoppage of illegal oil bunkering activities in the area.
However, when pumping of crude oil along the pipeline resumed, illegal refinery operators were said to have returned to their business.
When reached for comments, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in charge of Abia State, Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he was unaware of the incident.