More than 50 missing after oil pipeline explodes causing stampede in Nigeria

Blast in Bayelsa state creates massive oil spillage

Another section of oil pipeline burst in a northern suburb of Lagos in 2008 killing at least 100 people (STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images)

More than 50 people are missing after a leaking oil pipeline exploded and caused a stampede in southern Nigeria, local officials say.

The Nembe Chiefs Council spokesman, Chief Nengi James-Eriworio, said that the blast caused a massive oil spillage in the Nembe kingdom in Bayelsa state.

The Nembe trunk line is operated by the Port Harcourt-based Aiteo Group and carries crude to the Bonny export terminal.

Aiteo is yet to comment on the explosion. It is not immediately clear if the pipeline has been shut down.

The Niger Delta is highly polluted. Nigerian oil companies usually assert that the majority of oil spills are caused by sabotage, theft and illegal refining.

Deadly accidents caused by leaking pipelines are common in the country.

In January, an overturned oil tanker exploded in Odukpani in Cross River state while dozens of people were scooping up the leaking fuel. Police said at least 12 people were killed while some witnesses estimated up to 60 were dead.

AP