Abuja: The FCT Fire Service reported that three of its firefighters were injured during a fire incident on Thursday night at the AYM Shafa filling station in Abuja. The service’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad, confirmed the incident to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the fire erupted at the filling station located in Area 3 Garki after a fuel tanker filled with petrol exploded. Muhammad stated that the service received information about the incident at approximately 9:44 p.m. and swiftly mobilized personnel and equipment to the location. The severity of the situation necessitated the involvement of other fire service authorities, resulting in a coordinated inter-agency firefighting effort.
In the process of extinguishing the fire, three firefighters sustained injuries. One of the injured is currently in intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of National Hospital, Abuja, while the other two are receiving treatment at Alliance Hospital in Area 11, Garki, Abuja. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the public has been advised to await official findings.
The FCT Fire Service expressed gratitude to sister emergency agencies, security personnel, and the public for their cooperation and assistance during the emergency response. The service also praised the dedication and professionalism of all involved personnel, whose prompt actions prevented a larger catastrophe.
A preliminary assessment indicated that the fire affected the filling station premises and nearby structures. A fuel tanker containing approximately 45,000 liters of petroleum was engulfed, and 13 fuel dispensing pumps were in the affected area. The blaze directly impacted three fuel dispensers, completely burned two civilian vehicles, and damaged parts of the Federal Revenue Service office and sections of Ahmad Plaza.
Muhammad emphasized the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations and urged fuel station operators, commercial facilities, and the public to maintain fire protection systems and report emergencies through the appropriate channels at 020-9290-6118.
The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, expressed concern for the injured firefighters and requested the public to keep them in their thoughts as they recover. Zacchaeus affirmed the service’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through efficient emergency response, public education, and the enforcement of fire safety standards.
NAN noted that the emergency operation was overseen by Federal Fire Service Controller General Olumode Samuel, FCT Fire Service Director, and other tactical and rescue operators.