Three firefighters sustained varying degrees of injuries while combating a major blaze at an AYM Shafa filling station in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday night, according to the FCT Fire Service.
Confirming the incident on Friday, FCT Fire Service Public Relations Officer Ibrahim Muhammad told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the fire broke out around 9:44 p.m. following the explosion of a tanker carrying approximately 45,000 liters of petrol.
Due to the severity of the inferno, emergency responders from sister agencies joined the FCT Fire Service in a joint firefighting effort.
“In the course of controlling and putting the fire out, three of our firefighters were grossly injured,” Muhammad stated. He disclosed that one firefighter is currently receiving intensive care at the National Hospital Trauma Centre in Abuja, while two others are undergoing medical treatment at Alliance Hospital in Garki.
A preliminary damage assessment revealed that the fire destroyed the petrol tanker, completely burnt two civilian vehicles, and damaged three out of 13 fuel dispensing pumps at the station. The blaze also extended to adjoining properties, affecting parts of the Federal Revenue Service (FRS) office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a neighboring two-story commercial building.
Muhammad stated that the cause of the explosion remains under investigation and urged the public to refrain from speculation pending official findings. He also reminded operators of petrol stations and commercial properties to strictly adhere to safety regulations and maintain functional fire protection systems.
FCT Fire Service Director Adebayo Zacchaeus expressed deep concern for the injured personnel, praising the bravery of the firefighters whose prompt intervention prevented a larger catastrophe.
The joint emergency response was personally supervised on-site by Federal Fire Service Controller General Olumode Samuel alongside the FCT Fire Service Director and tactical rescue teams.
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