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Fire has gutted an illegal crude oil refining site at the Rumuji-Ibaa river in Emuoha Local Government area of Rivers State, killing at least four persons.
Reports say that an unspecified number of people also sustained serious degree burns.
An eyewitness, who gave his name as Onyema Okoro told journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, that residents of the area woke up to see a huge flame on the river, with a thick black smoke billowing into the atmosphere.
The fire was even entering the bush. When the fire came down we saw a boat on fire. The people that were inside, no one was seen coming out.
People were also scared going close to the place. Later when people got there, they found out it was four persons that were burnt, he added.
According to Okoro, seven persons who survived but sustained serious burns were rushed into the villages for treatment.
