A massive fire outbreak has engulfed two petrol-laden tankers at an MRS filling station along Numan Road, near Yola International Airport, causing panic among residents.
The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday, led to a temporary blockage of the road leading into Yola, as onlookers gathered to witness the raging inferno despite the clear dangers.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and security personnel, arrived at the scene in an attempt to contain the fire.
However, reports indicate that the fire service may have run out of water, making efforts to control the blaze more challenging.
The incident comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a severe economic crisis, with petrol remaining a scarce and highly valuable commodity.
In recent months, the country has witnessed a series of deadly tanker explosions. In January 2025, at least 11 people lost their lives when a petrol tanker exploded on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway due to brake failure.
In another tragic incident in Niger State, 86 people died while attempting to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker.
Other major fuel tanker explosions in recent times include:
- January 2025: Five people killed in a tanker explosion in Agbor, Delta State.
- October 2024: Over 170 deaths recorded in Jigawa State following a fuel tanker explosion.
- September 2024: A tragic collision between a fuel tanker and a passenger-laden truck in Niger State resulted in 59 fatalities.
Authorities are yet to provide an official statement on the Adamawa explosion, but efforts to fully extinguish the fire and secure the area are ongoing.
