At least 20 people have been injured and about 50 houses damaged following a gas pipeline explosion in Aleto community, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The explosion occurred around 5pm on Thursday after a pipeline belonging to the Nigeria Gas Company reportedly ruptured along Old Bori Road.

According to reports, several victims were taken to hospitals for treatment, while the blast also damaged roadside stalls and a mechanic workshop where vehicles were parked.

Residents alleged that the pipeline had been leaking for about three weeks before the explosion. They claimed community leaders had notified the company about the leak but that no adequate action was taken to prevent the incident.

Daniel Chuma, leader of the Eleme Legislative Council, said he had written to the company and petitioned relevant authorities over the leak before the explosion.

Chuma also alleged that no representative of the company had visited the scene since the incident.

He said residents had taken steps to secure the affected area and prevent further casualties.

A video circulating on social media showed residents fleeing the scene following the explosion.

Blessing Agabe, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, was not immediately available to confirm the incident.