A petrol tanker exploded Thursday night while discharging fuel at the AYM Shafa filling station in Garki Area III, Abuja, sparking a fierce fire that spread to nearby buildings and caused panic among residents and motorists.
The incident reportedly happened while the tanker was transferring petrol into the station’s storage tanks. Within moments, flames engulfed parts of the filling station and spread to surrounding structures.
Explosion Sparks Panic
Eyewitnesses said the explosion happened suddenly, sending people in the area scrambling for safety as the fire grew rapidly.
One witness described the incident, saying, “The tanker exploded while discharging petrol into the filling station. The fire spread very fast, and it affected some of the nearby buildings.”
The blaze reportedly affected a building belonging to the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS), located close to the filling station.
The intensity of the fire also raised fears among residents and motorists in the busy Garki area as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Firefighters Battle Blaze
Firefighters from the FCT Fire Service were deployed to the area as they worked to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Chief Superintendent of Fire with the FCT Fire Service, Ibrahim Muhammad Tauhid, confirmed the incident and said firefighters were already battling the fire.
“Our men are on the ground fighting the fire. It is a serious incident, and some of the surrounding buildings have been affected,” Ibrahim Muhammed Tauhid said.
The Federal Fire Service also joined efforts to contain the inferno and protect nearby lives and property.
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Casualties Yet to Be Confirmed
Authorities have not officially confirmed any deaths or provided a definite figure for injuries from the incident.
Ibrahim Muhammed Tauhid, however, said some people were affected, adding that it was too early to determine the exact number of casualties or the extent of injuries.
Emergency responders remained at the scene as efforts continued to bring the fire completely under control.
The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been established.
More details coming shortly.
