At least 37 people reportedly died after inhaling toxic petrol vapours while allegedly siphoning fuel from a tapped pipeline in Okrika, Rivers State, on Sept. 3, YEAC-Nigeria said. More than 100 people had gathered at the site; several remain missing and some bodies were seen floating in the river. The vapours involved a refined petrol product (PMS/Indorama fuel) containing hazardous hydrocarbons. Police investigations are ongoing while the navy and security forces reiterate warnings against oil theft.
At Least 37 Dead After Inhaling Toxic Petrol Fumes During Pipeline Tapping in Rivers State
A view of oil pipelines running through Okrika, NigeriaCredit: PIUS UTOMI EKPEI/AFP via Getty
At least 37 people died after allegedly inhaling toxic petrol vapours while attempting to siphon fuel from a tapped oil pipeline in Okrika, Rivers State, Nigeria, on Sept. 3, local environmental group the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) said.
What Happened
YEAC-Nigeria reported that more than 100 people had gathered at a pipeline tapping point to collect fuel. According to accounts cited by Reuters, the BBC and Agence France-Presse (AFP), the crowd had connected a pipe to a tapping point on a line that carries product from Indorama Eleme Petrochemical through the Port Harcourt refinery to vessels loading for export. The group said 'not fewer than 37 have been confirmed dead after inhaling Indorama fuel,' referring to a refined petrol product commonly called PMS (Premium Motor Spirit).
Locals pour containers of oil collected from an abandoned oil flow station in Nigeria in 2016.Credit: George Osodi/Bloomberg via Getty
Health Risks
Refined petrol vapours can be severely hazardous. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that petrol fumes contain toxic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene, which can cause respiratory distress, loss of consciousness and other acute and chronic health effects.
Casualties, Missing People and Recovery Efforts
YEAC-Nigeria said several people remain unaccounted for and that some corpses have been seen floating in the river but had not been recovered at the time of the report. Local authorities said an investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances and verify details.
A general view of fuel tanker trucks in Nigeria in 2026.Credit: TOYIN ADEDOKUN / AFP via Getty
"Many are still missing, and some corpses have been seen floating on the river but have not yet been recovered," YEAC-Nigeria said in a statement, as reported by AFP.
Official Response and Wider Context
Rivers State police spokesperson ASP Blessing Kaborlo Agabe told Reuters that investigators are working to ascertain the facts. The incident took place in the Niger Delta, a long-standing centre of Nigeria's oil and gas industry and a region where siphoning and illegal refining are common. In recent years the Nigerian military and navy have increased operations to curb oil theft and illegal bunkering.
Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, director of naval information, warned on Channels TV that perpetrators would be pursued: 'Their days are numbered, and if we catch you, of course, we'll ensure that you face the law,' the BBC reported.
Safety Note
Authorities and health experts caution that attempting to tap pipelines or collect spilled/refined product is extremely dangerous. Vapour inhalation, fire and explosions are significant risks, and those involved can suffer immediate, life-threatening injuries.
PEOPLE reported it had reached out to YEAC-Nigeria for comment. Further updates are expected as police and rescue teams continue their investigation and recovery operations.
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