What caused the deaths in Port Harcourt, and what substance was involved?

The deaths in Port Harcourt were caused by people inhaling fumes after tampering with a vandalized pipeline transporting C5—a hydrocarbon recovered during natural gas processing in fertilizer production—used by a unit of Singapore-based Indorama Corp. and owned by Nigeria’s state-owned oil company. A local non-governmental organization confirmed victims died from inhaling the fumes, and TheCable newspaper reported more than 40 fatalities.

What is C5, and how is it used commercially?

C5 is a hydrocarbon recovered during natural gas processing in fertilizer production, used in gasoline blending and in the manufacturing of adhesives, synthetic rubber, and plastics. Indorama sells the product to overseas companies, which lift it twice a year via a jetty in Okrika after transportation through the pipeline.

Dozens Die as Pipeline Used by Nigeria Fertilizer Firm Breached

Sep 3, 2026

Over 40 people died after inhaling fumes from a vandalized pipeline transporting C5 hydrocarbons linked to Indorama Corp's fertilizer operations in Nigeria. Police are investigating the incident, though the company states it will not impact its operations.

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