By Our Correspondent

A chemical explosion yesterday rocked the multi billion naira Escravos Gas to Liguid (EGTL) plant operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in Warri South West Local Government area of Delta State killing two staff of two contracting firms to the company.

It was gathered that the incident, which occurred at about 10 a.m distrupted work in the plant for several hours as frantic efforts were made to quench the resulting fire that engulfed the portakabin where it took place.

It was learnt that some workers of the two contracting firms to Chevron were working in a portakabin compactment stucked with chemicals when the explosion occurred.

Sources disclosed that by the time the situation was brought under control, one staff of the contracting firms  was found dead while several others sustained various degrees of injuries.

It was gathered that one of the injured workers also died while being taking to Warri for urgent medical attention.

Security agents are however investigating the cause of the chemical explosion at the time of filing this report.

The General Manager, Policies, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Deji Haastrup however said there was no gas explosion but an accident in the plant.

He explained that a fire broke out in a container storage at EGTl but was quickly put out.

“Sadly an employee of a Contractor company was injured and another died” adding “the safety of all the workforce including contractors remains our first priority”.

Commander of Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta) Commodore Raimi Mohammed however confirmed the incident saying it was an accident.

He said his officers were in the plant investigating the cause of the explosion.