A devastating explosion rocked a fuel station in Kontagora, Niger State, on Sunday night, when a heavy-duty tanker filled with fuel went off while offloading its contents.
The blast sent shockwaves through the local community, triggering fears of widespread casualties.
The explosion occurred at a fuel station owned by a prominent marketer, located just meters from the ‘B’ Division of the Nigeria Police in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Eyewitnesses reported that the tanker was in the process of unloading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, when the devastating blast took place, resulting in a fierce inferno that engulfed the area.
The situation was made even more perilous by the presence of other fuel storage tanks at the station, still filled with fuel at the time of the explosion. This raised immediate concerns of the fire escalating into a far more catastrophic disaster.
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However, thanks to the quick response of emergency personnel, the situation was brought under control before it could claim lives.
Kuma Tsukwam, the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, confirmed to PUNCH on Monday that his team had managed to contain the blaze, preventing any reported human casualties.
“Yes, our people were able to nip it in the bud. It happened in the petrol station. They cordoned off the area, so there was no casualty.
“There was no casualty, but it burst into flames. I think this was their lack of safety measures and safety valves, but we were able to cordoned off the area. It was inside the petrol station, and they drove all passersby and vehicles from entering the station. Yes, it happened.
“Our major concern was that there was no casualty. They must maintain their safety precautions; it is inevitable,” he said.
