A significant explosion rocked a fuel station in Niger State late Sunday night, as a heavy-duty tanker truck carrying fuel was offloading its content at a fuel station.
The sudden and intense blast sent shockwaves through the immediate area, leading to widespread panic and immediate calls to emergency services.
The fuel station was said to belong to a major marketer located a few metres from the ‘B’ Division of the Nigeria Police, Kontagora, in Kontagora Local Government Area.
Accounts from the scene indicate the explosion happened as Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) was being transferred from the tanker, resulting in a large fire.
The ongoing presence of fuel in the station’s storage tanks during the offloading amplified the risk of a devastating secondary explosion.
According to the Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kuma Tsukwam, FRSC personnel were able to effectively manage the fuel tanker explosion, and as a result, no human casualties were recorded.
“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.