A filling station along the busy Bukuru Expressway in Jos, Plateau State, went up in flames on Thursday morning, sparking fear among residents and motorists.
The facility, located close to the Jos South Local Government Secretariat, erupted in fire around the area of its underground fuel storage, prompting concerns that the inferno could escalate into a major disaster.
Witnesses said firefighters were not immediately on the ground when the incident began, forcing workers at the station to attempt to hold back the flames with improvised measures.
“We just saw smoke and suddenly fire at the station people call Chill Cherry,” a resident, who identified himself as Maman, said.
With petroleum and liquefied gas reportedly stored at the site, panic spread quickly as customers and passers-by fled for safety.
Another witness said emergency responders were later sighted heading towards the location. “I saw two emergency vehicles racing there.
Their quick turnout shows the cooperation between state and federal teams. I just hope they put it out on time,” he added.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Federal Fire Service in the state, CSF E.E.
Anzolo, noted that firefighters from the Plateau State Fire Service were on scene battling the blaze.
The government had yet to determine the cause of the fire as of press time.