Oilfield explosion threatens villagers

TIRANA, Sept. 16 – An explosion at an oil and gas field in Fier County has caused damage and led to the evacuation of 15 families.
Bankers Petroleum, the Canadian oil company that runs the field, said the gas explosion was caused by alleged thieves.
The company said they were notified of the explosion at a gas well Monday morning. The well is located near Verri, a village in the Mbrostar Municipality of Fier County.
It said that unidentified persons had tried to steal from the well and had caused the problem. The company said it has started recuperation work and is trying to put the well under control.
The statement of the company said it evacuated the inhabitants of the area and it was sealing the well after it detected a the release of poisonous H2S gas.
No damage to the homes was detected and the people will return to their houses immediately after securing the well.
Bankers Petroleum Ltd. is one of the largest companies in Albania, operating in oil and gas exploration and production. It has a 25-year license agreement to develop the Patos Marinza and Ku谶a oilfields.