Three firefighters sustained varying degrees of injuries while battling a fire sparked by a tanker explosion at the AYM Shafa filling station in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, on Thursday night.
The FCT Fire Service said one of the injured firefighters is receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja, while two others are being treated at Alliance Hospital in Area 11, Garki.
The Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad, confirmed the incident on Friday, saying the fire broke out after a petrol-laden tanker exploded at the filling station.
According to him, the service received a distress call about the incident at approximately 9:44 p.m. and immediately mobilized its personnel and firefighting appliances to the scene.
He said the magnitude of the fire prompted other emergency response agencies to join the operation, resulting in a coordinated inter-agency effort to contain the blaze.
“In the course of controlling and putting the fire off, three of our firefighters were grossly injured, with one currently receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of National Hospital, Abuja.
“Medical specialists are making efforts to ensure his recovery, while the other two were rushed to Alliance Hospital, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, and are receiving medical treatment,” Muhammad said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Fire Service urging members of the public to avoid speculation until the official findings are released.
Muhammad said preliminary assessment showed that the fire affected the filling station premises and some adjoining structures.
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He said the tanker involved was loaded with approximately 45,000 litres of petroleum product and was engulfed by the fire.
The assessment also showed that the facility had 13 fuel dispensing pumps, three of which were directly affected by the fire.
Two civilian vehicles were completely burnt, while parts of the Federal Revenue Service office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building beside the filling station, were also affected.
The incident highlights the risks associated with fire emergencies at fuel stations, where large quantities of highly flammable petroleum products can increase the potential for rapid fire spread and damage to nearby properties.
The FCT Fire Service urged operators of filling stations, commercial facilities and members of the public to comply strictly with fire safety regulations and ensure regular maintenance of fire protection systems.
Muhammad also advised residents to report fire emergencies promptly through the appropriate emergency channel on 020-9290-6118.
The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, expressed concern over the condition of the injured firefighters and appealed to members of the public to keep them in their prayers as they continue receiving treatment.
Zacchaeus reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through prompt emergency response, public education and enforcement of fire safety standards.
The emergency operation was supervised by the Federal Fire Service Controller-General, Olumode Samuel, the FCT Fire Service director and other tactical and rescue personnel.
The Fire Service also commended sister emergency agencies, security personnel and members of the public for their cooperation during the operation, saying the prompt response helped prevent the incident from escalating into a potentially greater disaster.
NAN
