3 killed as Coca Cola plant explodes in Edo

Uchechukwu Olisah, Benin City - 01.05.2008

Three persons died and several others were injured when the multi-million naira Coca Cola plant at Eyean, near Benin City, Edo State, on Tuesday went up in flames during an explosion that causes extensive damage to the facility.

The development had prompted the management of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) to suspend operations at the plant.

The dead workers were said to have been taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) morgue while the injured were reportedly receiving treatment.

Nigerian Tribune gathered on Wednesday in Benin City that the plant exploded at about 2.00 p.m. when some welders were working to effect repairs on a damaged portion of the plant.

The plant was said to have suddenly exploded with two workers burnt to death while the third one allegedly died from suffocation.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the plant would have been saved the extensive damage if the passersby and villagers, who rushed to the place on a rescue mission, had gained access to the complex.

The main gate was reportedly locked and this was said to have prevented people outside from gaining entry.

A source at the company said the plant would have been completely razed if the fire had affected the laboratory where there were combustive materials.

The Head of External Affairs, NBC, Adeyanju Olomola, who confirmed the incident, said the company was saddened by the development.

According to Olomola’s statement which was read to newsmen, the NBC “confirms that the fire occurred at its Benin plant at about 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday.

“That Edo State Fire Service was contacted quickly and the fire was promptly contained. We have notified the appropriate authorities about the incident.”