Three firefighters sustained injuries while battling a petrol tanker fire at AYM Shafa filling station in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service has confirmed.
The fire broke out on Thursday night after a fuel tanker loaded with petrol exploded at the filling station, according to the service’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad.
Muhammad said firefighters received a distress call at about 9:44pm and immediately deployed personnel and firefighting equipment to the scene.
The scale of the incident prompted other emergency agencies to join the operation, resulting in a coordinated response to contain the blaze.
” Owing to the magnitude of the incident, other fire service authorities also joined the emergency response, resulting in a coordinated inter-agency firefighting operation.
“In the course of controlling and putting the fire off, three of our fire fighters were grossly injured, with one currently receiving intensive medical care at the Trauma Centre of National Hospital, Abuja.
“Medical specialists are making effort 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 remained under investigation and urged the public not to speculate until authorities conclude their assessment.
Preliminary findings showed that the blaze affected the filling station and nearby structures.
“One fuel tanker loaded with approximately 45,000 litres of petroleum product was engulfed by the fire.
“Preliminary damage assessment reveals that 13 fuel dispensing pumps were within the affected facility.
“Three fuel dispensers were directly affected by the fire, while two civilian vehicles were completely burnt.
“Parts of the Federal Revenue Service (FRS) office and sections of Ahmad Plaza, a two-storey commercial building beside the station were affected by the incident,” Muhammad said.
The Fire Service said the prompt intervention of emergency responders helped prevent the incident from escalating into a larger disaster.
It commended the responding firefighters, emergency agencies, security personnel and members of the public for their cooperation during the operation.
Muhammad urged filling station operators, commercial facilities and residents to comply strictly with fire safety regulations, maintain fire protection systems regularly and report emergencies through the appropriate channels.
The FCT Fire Service emergency line is 020-9290-6118.
The Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, expressed concern over the injured firefighters and called for prayers for their recovery.
He reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through rapid emergency response, public education and enforcement of fire safety standards.
The emergency operation was supervised by the Federal Fire Service Controller General, Olumode Samuel, alongside the FCT Fire Service Director and other tactical and rescue personnel.
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