Abuja petrol tanker blast injures three firefighters

Three firefighters sustained injuries while battling a fire that broke out at the AYM Shafa filling station in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday night.

The FCT Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad, confirmed the development to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday.

According to him, the fire started after a petrol-laden tanker exploded at the filling station.

He said the service received a distress call at about 9:44 p.m. and immediately deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene.

Due to the scale of the incident, other emergency agencies joined the operation, resulting in a coordinated effort to contain the blaze.

Muhammad said three firefighters were injured during the operation, with one receiving intensive treatment at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja.

The other two injured firefighters were taken to Alliance Hospital in Area 11, Garki, for medical attention.

He said the cause of the fire remained under investigation and urged the public to avoid speculation until the official findings were released.

Preliminary assessment showed that the fire affected the filling station and adjoining structures.

Muhammad said a tanker carrying about 45,000 litres of petroleum product was engulfed in the fire, while 13 fuel dispensing pumps were within the affected facility.

Three fuel dispensers were directly damaged, while two civilian vehicles were completely burnt.

Parts of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building adjacent to the filling station, were also affected.

The FCT Fire Service commended sister emergency agencies, security personnel and members of the public for supporting the firefighting operation.

Muhammad said the prompt intervention of the emergency responders helped prevent the incident from causing further damage.

He urged petrol station operators, commercial establishments and members of the public to comply strictly with fire safety regulations and ensure regular maintenance of fire protection equipment.

The FCT Fire Service also advised residents to promptly report fire emergencies through its emergency line.

The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, expressed concern over the injuries sustained by the firefighters and called on members of the public to pray for their recovery.

He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through prompt emergency response, public education and enforcement of fire safety standards.

The emergency operation was supervised by the Federal Fire Service Controller General, Olumode Samuel, the FCT Fire Service Director and other tactical and rescue personnel.