October 17, 1998 was a black weekend in Nigeria following a fiery explosion from a burst oil pipeline near Jesse town in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State.
The tragic incidence that occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Saturday killed 594 people. It is believed that the explosion was caused by local towns people tapping into the pipeline to steal oil but because the fire and explosion incinerated every person close by, the reason for the explosion was never fully explained.
Witnesses said that thousands of people had been involved in the illegal drawing of fuel from the burst pipeline since Thursday, two days before the explosion. Another account said that a boy lit a cigarette and the whole area which was drenched in petrol exploded as a result.
The Nigerian Red Cross Society Warri Division mobilised volunteers to assist in the evacuation of people from the site and provided first aid treatment to some of the injured. The Edo State Branch went to the area and did an assessment of the situation and the immediate needs of the people, forwarding a report to the NRCS Headquarters on the morning of 20 October.
The injured were taking for treatment in neighbouring hospitals at Sapele, Amope, Eku and Mosogar. Hospitals in Sapele and Eku are overflowing with people who have varying degrees of burns. Many have died since the explosion.
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