Three firefighters sustained injuries while responding to a devastating tanker explosion at a filling station in Abuja. The FCT Fire Service said the coordinated emergency operation prevented a larger catastrophe, with investigations into the cause of the blaze ongoing.
ABUJA – Three firefighters were injured while battling a massive fire sparked by a fuel tanker explosion at the AYM Shafa Filling Station in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service has confirmed.
The Public Relations Officer of the FCT Fire Service, Ibrahim Muhammad, disclosed the incident on Friday, stating that the explosion occurred on Thursday night after a petrol-laden tanker caught fire at the filling station.
According to Muhammad, the emergency call was received at about 9:44 p.m., prompting the immediate deployment of firefighters and emergency equipment to the scene.
He explained that the severity of the blaze required a coordinated response involving multiple fire service agencies and emergency responders to contain the inferno.
During the firefighting operation, three firefighters sustained varying degrees of injuries.
One of the injured personnel is receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja, while the other two are being treated at Alliance Hospital in Area 11, Garki.
Medical specialists are currently attending to the victims, with authorities expressing optimism about their recovery.
Muhammad said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion, urging members of the public to avoid speculation until the official findings are released.
He also commended sister emergency agencies, security personnel and residents whose cooperation contributed to a successful emergency response.
The Fire Service praised the professionalism, courage and dedication displayed by all responding firefighters, noting that their swift intervention prevented what could have become an even more devastating incident.
According to the FCT Fire Service, preliminary assessments revealed extensive damage to the filling station and nearby structures.
A fuel tanker carrying approximately 45,000 litres of petroleum products was completely engulfed by the fire.
The incident also affected 13 fuel dispensing pumps, with three directly damaged by the flames.
Additionally, two civilian vehicles were completely destroyed.
Parts of the Federal Revenue Service (FRS) office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building adjacent to the filling station, also suffered damage during the incident.
Muhammad urged fuel station operators, commercial facility managers and the public to strictly adhere to fire safety regulations.
He stressed the importance of routine maintenance of fire protection systems and encouraged residents to report fire emergencies promptly through the appropriate emergency channels.
The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, expressed concern for the injured firefighters and appealed to Nigerians to keep them in their prayers as they receive medical treatment.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through rapid emergency response, public education and the enforcement of fire safety standards.
The emergency operation was personally supervised by the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel, alongside the Director of the FCT Fire Service and other tactical rescue personnel.
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