A gas explosion rocked the Liberty Junction area of Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday morning after a vehicle reportedly crashed into a gas retail outlet, injuring the driver and damaging several nearby shops.
The incident occurred at about 6:15am, sending residents and traders into panic as flames spread from the gas outlet to adjoining structures. At least nine shops were reportedly affected, while the vehicle involved was completely burnt.
Residents reportedly rescued the driver and a child from the vehicle and took them to a medical facility for treatment. The extent of the driver’s injuries was not immediately known.
The force of the explosion reportedly damaged a nearby police traffic post, displaced structures and affected a section of drainage around the area.
The Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, National Emergency Management Agency, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Police were among the emergency and security agencies that responded to the incident.
The Federal Fire Service, FCT Command, said its firefighters and other emergency responders arrived at about 6:30am and successfully contained the fire, preventing what it described as a potentially major gas explosion.
The explosion also caused significant traffic disruption around Liberty Junction as emergency responders worked to secure the area and prevent the fire from spreading.
Although reports from witnesses and other sources linked the incident to a vehicle crashing into the gas outlet, the Federal Fire Service had not publicly confirmed the exact cause of the fire as of the time of reporting. Investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and subsequent explosion.
No death was reported in the initial reports, while authorities continued efforts to assess the extent of damage and restore normal activities in the area.
Post a Comment