ExxonMobil chief engineer killed in blast

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the deceased was identified as one Mr G. Okorocha, the Chief Engineer (Aviation Department), who was in charge of servicing of aeroplanes and helicopters in the company.

An official of the company told NAN that Okorocha was killed by a blast from a burst tyre in the aviation wing of the company along Eket Oron road, in Eket Local Government Area of the state.

The official said that the deceased was inflating a spare tyre of his car with an apparatus meant for the inflation of helicopter tyres, which is against ExxonMobil safety rules and regulation.

The official said that the late Okorocha had just finished servicing a helicopter of the company at about 4:15 a.m. before the tragic incident.

The source revealed that as he was inflating the spare tyre, the pressure from the company’s apparatus caused a blast that detached the rim of the tyre and cut the deceased’s throat.

“The rim also ripped off some parts of his body, including his finger and he died instantly. The decapitated parts of his remains were packed together and deposited at Immanuel Hospital, Eket,’’ the source said.

When NAN visited the scene of the accident, the airstrip of ExxonMobil was condoned off while sympathisers were seen discussing the incident.

Reacting to the development, Mr Ogechukwu Udeagha, Manager, Media and Communications of the company confirmed the incident.

“On the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 22 there was an accident involving a member of our workforce while inflating his personal vehicle’s tire, resulting in a fatality,” he said.

Udeagha said that investigation into the tragic incident has commenced and all the appropriate authorities have been notified.

“Mobil is saddened by this unfortunate incident, and is providing support to the family,’’ he said.