Favour Ishember, Abuja
A devastating gas explosion shook the Liberty Junction area of Kubwa, Abuja, early Sunday after a vehicle crashed into a gas retail outlet, leaving the driver injured, sparking a massive fire and destroying several nearby structures.
The incident occurred at about 6:15 am, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky as the raging inferno engulfed a row of shops and a container located close to the gas station. No fewer than nine shops were affected by the fire.
The vehicle involved in the crash was completely consumed by the flames, leaving behind only a charred metal frame before firefighters eventually brought the situation under control. The injured driver and a little child were successfully rescued from the scene.
The blast also impacted a nearby police traffic post, damaging and displacing the makeshift structure as debris was scattered across the area. Part of a drainage channel close to the affected shops was equally ripped open during the explosion.
Emergency responders from the Federal Fire Service, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Nigeria Police Force swiftly arrived at the scene. The agencies worked for several hours to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to other parts of the busy commercial district.
The incident caused severe traffic congestion along the route as motorists, commercial motorcyclists and curious residents thronged the area. Crowds gathered behind security cordons while firefighters battled the blaze, with several fire trucks stationed along the road as emergency workers cleared the wreckage and secured the scene.
The injured driver was immediately taken to a medical facility for treatment, although details of his condition were not available as of the time of filing this report.
By the time this report was filed, calm had gradually returned to the area following the departure of emergency response teams, while efforts to fully restore normal activities continued.
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