•The scene of tanker explosion last night
Fire gutted two petrol-laden tankers at an MRS filling station along the Numan Road, opposite the Jezco filling station near the Yola International Airport last night.
The road leading into Yola, the state capital, was blocked as curious residents of the area rushed out to catch a glimpse of the inferno, ignoring the inherent danger, reports Channels TV.
Two fuel tankers have been consumed by the fire as of press time but men of the fire service have arrived at the scene.
The emergency responders have begun efforts to contain the fire but it seemed they have run out of water.
Security personnel have also arrived at the scene to secure the area.
Tanker explosions occurred in Nigeria at a time when petrol has become a precious commodity in Africa’s most populous country, which is suffering its worst economic crisis in a generation.
In January 2025, at least 11 persons were killed when a petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The tanker was said to have suffered brake failure, tumbled, and had its content spilled, erupting in an explosion.
•Scene of the Niger State tanker explosion
At least 86 persons died and 55 others were injured on Saturday, January 18, 2025, whilst scooping fuel from a fallen tanker in Niger State.
Earlier in January 2025, at least five persons were killed when a tanker ladened with petrol lost control and burst into flames in the Agbor area of Delta State.
In October 2024, a fuel tanker explosion in Jigawa State killed more than 170 people, with scores injured.
•The Jigawa tanker fire incident
At least 59 people died in September 2024 when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle in northwestern Niger State.
