Abuja: Three firefighters from the FCT Fire Service were injured in a fire incident at the AYM Shafa filling station in Garki, Abuja, following a tanker explosion on Thursday night. The Public Relations Officer of the service, Ibrahim Muhammad, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the explosion occurred when a fuel tanker filled with petrol ignited, setting the filling station ablaze. The FCT Fire Service was alerted to the situation at approximately 9:44 p.m. and quickly dispatched personnel and equipment to the scene. Due to the scale of the fire, multiple fire service authorities collaborated in a joint firefighting effort.
During the operation, three firefighters sustained injuries, with one in intensive care at the Trauma Centre of National Hospital, Abuja. The other two are receiving treatment at Alliance Hospital in Garki. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and the public is urged to refrain from speculation while awaiting official results.
The FCT Fire Service extended gratitude to emergency agencies, security forces, and civilians for their assistance in the coordinated response. Their timely intervention is credited with preventing a more severe disaster. Preliminary assessments revealed significant damage, including one tanker engulfed in flames, three affected fuel dispensers, and damage to nearby structures such as the Federal Revenue Service office and Ahmad Plaza.
Muhammad emphasized the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations and maintaining fire protection systems. He also shared sentiments from Adebayo Zacchaeus, Director of the FCT Fire Service, who urged the public to pray for the injured firefighters. Zacchaeus reaffirmed the service’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property through emergency response and public education.
The emergency operation was overseen by high-ranking officials, including the Federal Fire Service Controller General, Olumode Samuel, and the FCT Fire Service Director.