Rivers: 20 injured, 50 houses razed in gas pipeline explosion

From Tony John, Port Harcourt
About 20 persons were injured and 50 houses razed following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State on Thursday evening.
It was gathered that the explosion, which occurred around 5pm, was caused by a ruptured pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company along Old Bori Road in Aleto.
While many victims were rushed to hospital, stalls and a mechanic workshop with vehicles parked inside were heavily affected by the inferno.
A resident of the area, who asked not to be named, said the pipeline had been leaking for weeks before the blast.
“The pipeline has caused injuries and damaged property. This pipel...