14.10.2026 21:20
A leak at an oil well in the African country of Niger has turned into a major environmental disaster. In the incident, where crude oil and gas erupted to a height of more than 10 meters, 2 people were injured, while the leak, which has continued for days, could not be completely stopped despite all interventions.
A leak at an oil well in Niger caused great concern in the region. In the incident, which began in late September, crude oil and gas gushed meters high, while a wide area around was covered in oil. Despite October arriving, the failure to completely stop the leak increased concerns that environmental damage would grow.
OIL GUSHED MORE THAN 10 METERS HIGH
According to a statement by Niger's Ministry of Petroleum, the incident occurred at the Goumeri W-8 well in the Agadem oilfield in the country's northeast.
Crude oil and gas escaping under high pressure from the well, about 1,700 kilometers from the capital Niamey, reached a height of more than 10 meters. In the incident at the facility operated by the Nigerien subsidiary of the Chinese energy company CNPC, 2 workers were injured. The injured were taken to hospital, and it was reported that there were no fatalities.
IT HAS NOT BEEN STOPPED FOR DAYS
In the Ministry of Petroleum's assessment on October 12, it was stated that the leak had been partially brought under control but could not be completely stopped. Because the oil spread over hundreds of meters across the land, the soil and vegetation were damaged. Authorities launched an investigation to determine the extent of the environmental damage.
TWO MORE WELLS ALSO AT RISK
It was announced that two neighboring wells on the platform where the leak occurred are also at risk of being damaged. Expert teams continue their work to stop the oil flow and ensure the safety of the other wells. While the exact cause of the incident has not yet been determined, initial investigations ruled out the possibilities of sabotage and a terrorist attack. Niger's government also received technical support from Algerian experts to bring the leak under control.