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Three firefighters injured in Abuja tanker explosion
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Disasters & Emergencies

Three firefighters injured in Abuja tanker explosion

From Vanguard · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Under investigation
  • Three firefighters sustained injuries, one critically, while responding to a fuel tanker explosion at a gas station in Abuja.
  • The explosion engulfed the filling station and nearby structures, including a government office and a commercial building, and destroyed 13 fuel dispensers and two civilian vehicles.
  • The cause of the fire is under investigation, and authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and adhere to fire safety regulations.

A fuel tanker explosion at the AYM Shafa filling station in Abuja on Thursday night left three firefighters injured, with one in critical condition. The blast engulfed the station and nearby structures, including parts of the Federal Revenue Service office and Ahmad Plaza, a two-story commercial building.

In the course of controlling and putting the fire off, three of our fire fighters were grossly injured, with one currently receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of National Hospital, Abuja.

— Ibrahim MuhammadFCT Fire Service Public Relations Officer, confirming the injuries sustained by firefighters.

According to the FCT Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad, the service received the distress call at approximately 9:44 p.m. Personnel and appliances were immediately dispatched to the scene. The magnitude of the incident prompted a coordinated inter-agency response involving other fire service authorities. During the firefighting operation, three firefighters sustained injuries. One is currently receiving intensive medical care at the National Hospital's Trauma Centre, while the other two are being treated at Alliance Hospital.

Members of the public are advised to refrain from speculation and await the outcome of the official investigation.

— Ibrahim MuhammadUrging the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the fire.

Preliminary assessments indicate that one fuel tanker carrying approximately 45,000 liters of petroleum product was destroyed. Thirteen fuel dispensers were affected, and two civilian vehicles were completely burnt. The fire also impacted parts of the Federal Revenue Service office and sections of Ahmad Plaza. The FCT Fire Service Director, Adebayo Zacchaeus, expressed concern for the injured firefighters and requested public prayers for their recovery.

Their prompt intervention prevented what could have resulted in an even greater disaster.

— Ibrahim MuhammadCommending the bravery and effectiveness of the responding firefighters.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation and await the official findings. The service also commended the dedication, professionalism, and bravery of all responding firefighters and emergency personnel, whose prompt intervention reportedly prevented a greater disaster. Operators of fuel stations and commercial facilities are reminded to strictly comply with fire safety regulations and ensure regular maintenance of fire protection systems.

Members of the public to keep them in their prayers as they continue receiving treatments.

— Adebayo ZacchaeusDirector of the FCT fire service, expressing concern for the injured firefighters.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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