Explosion Rocks Abuja Filling Station, Residents Count Losses

By MAHMOOD MALIK MUSA (M. M. M.) IBRAHIM

AN explosion at a filling station in Abuja has left residents counting their losses after fire damaged nearby properties and forced families to flee their homes.

The incident occurred at about 9:50 p.m. on Thursday at the Shafa Filling Station near Rita Lori Hotel in the Apo Bridge area of Garki.

Residents said the explosion happened while a fuel tanker was discharging petrol into the station’s underground storage tank. The exact cause of the blast has not been established.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker suddenly exploded, sending flames high into the air. The fire quickly spread to nearby buildings and created panic among residents, motorists and business owners.

Several residents said the intense heat ignited the roofs of nearby houses. Families rushed out of their homes to escape the flames, while neighbours joined efforts to salvage belongings before firefighters arrived.

A vehicle parked at the entrance of the filling station was completely destroyed by the fire.

Emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service and the FCT Fire Service battled the blaze and eventually brought it under control. Police officers secured the area, restricted movement and created a safety perimeter to support rescue operations and preserve the scene for investigation.

By Friday, security personnel were still guarding the filling station, with access to the premises remaining prohibited.

Authorities have not confirmed any deaths or injuries. They are also yet to announce the cause of the explosion.

Investigators are expected to determine what triggered the incident and whether any safety regulations were breached during the fuel discharge operation.