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Three firefighters from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service were hurt while battling a massive overnight fire at the AYM Shafa filling station in Abuja. The incident occurred on Thursday night, and the injuries were officially confirmed on Friday by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Muhammad, in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to FCT Fire Service spokesperson Ibrahim Muhammad, a massive fire consumed a filling station in Area 3, Garki, on Thursday night after a petrol tanker exploded. The agency was alerted to the crisis at 9:44 PM, prompting the immediate mobilization of firefighting personnel and heavy equipment to the scene.
Due to the scale of the emergency, neighboring fire authorities provided mutual aid for a unified response.
While containing the blaze, three of our brave firefighters were severely injured today. One is fighting for their life in the Trauma Centre at National Hospital, Abuja.
Medical specialists are making an effort to ensure his recovery, while the other two were rushed to Alliance Hospital, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, and are receiving medical treatment.
He added that the cause of the fire remained under investigation.
“Members of the public are advised to refrain from speculation and await the outcome of the official investigation,” he said.
He also said that the service appreciated the cooperation of sister emergency agencies, security personnel and members of the public who assisted in ensuring a coordinated emergency response.
He further said that the FCT fire service commended the dedication, professionalism and bravery displayed by all responding firefighters and emergency personnel.
According to him, their prompt intervention prevented what could have resulted in an even greater disaster.
Muhammad, however, said that preliminary assessment revealed that the fire affected the filling station premises and adjoining 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,” the PRO said.
He urged operators of fuel stations, commercial facilities and members of the public to strictly comply with fire safety regulations.
Muhammad said it was imperative to ensure regular maintenance of fire protection systems and report any fire emergency immediately through the appropriate emergency channels 020-9290-6118.
He quoted the Director of the FCT Fire Service, Adebayo Zacchaeus, as expressing concern for the injured firefighters and calling on members of the public to keep them in their prayers as they continue receiving treatment.
Zacchaeus said that the service remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property through prompt emergency response, public education and the enforcement of fire safety standards.
NAN reports that the emergency operation was personally supervised by the Federal Fire Service Controller General, Olumode Samuel, FCT Fire Service Director, alongside other tactical and rescue operators.
