A gas explosion occurred at Liberty Junction in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday morning, causing widespread damage and panic. The incident happened at about 6:15am when a vehicle crashed into a gas retail outlet, triggering a fire that spread to adjoining shops and a police traffic post. Residents and traders quickly evacuated the area as thick smoke and flames engulfed a row of shops and containers near the gas station.
The explosion and subsequent fire affected at least nine shops, with the vehicle involved being completely burnt out. The driver of the vehicle and a young child were rescued from the scene, but the driver was later taken to a medical facility for treatment. An eyewitness, Ephraim, described the moment of the explosion, saying it was followed by a loud noise and rapid spread of fire.
The fire spread rapidly to nearby shops, forcing traders and residents to abandon their belongings and flee. Nneka Chukwuemeka, a resident, described the scene as chaotic, with people running in different directions. She noted that the firefighters arrived quickly and worked hard to stop the fire from spreading further.
The impact of the explosion also damaged a police traffic post located close to the scene, leaving the makeshift structure displaced amid debris scattered across the area. Part of a nearby drainage channel was also damaged during the incident. The cause of the explosion was attributed to the vehicle crashing into the gas outlet.
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Police, were deployed to the scene. They battled the flames for several hours, eventually bringing the fire under control and preventing it from spreading further into the busy commercial area.
The explosion caused a major traffic gridlock along the corridor as commuters, motorcyclists, and passersby gathered around the scene. Fire trucks occupied portions of the road while emergency personnel worked to contain the situation and clear the affected area. As the situation was brought under control, normalcy gradually returned to the area.
The injured driver's condition could not be immediately ascertained, but they were reportedly taken to a medical facility for treatment. As of the time of filing the report, emergency responders had begun leaving the scene after securing the affected location. The incident highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and response in the face of such disasters.
Key points
- A vehicle rammed into a gas retail outlet, triggering a fire that affected nine shops and a police traffic post.
- Emergency responders, including firefighters and police, were deployed to the scene to battle the flames and prevent further spread.
- The incident caused a major traffic gridlock and resulted in one person being injured.
