A gas explosion at Nobpet fueling station, located opposite the Air Force Junction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday morning has left five people injured and destroyed eight vehicles.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. at the gas section of the fueling station. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a sudden fire outbreak followed by a powerful explosion that quickly escalated into a large blaze.
The fire subsequently spread to the nearby premises of the Ebonyi State Transport Corporation, where eight vehicles were parked and subsequently burnt beyond recognition.
According to reports gathered by Saturday PUNCH, the fire was eventually brought under control through the combined efforts of the Rivers State Fire Service and the Nigerian Air Force Fire Service. The two agencies worked swiftly to contain the fire and prevent further destruction.
One of the victims, Emmanuel Ninyaegwu, a commercial driver who operated an 18-seater bus destroyed in the fire, sustained an injury to his ear during the incident. Ninyaegwu, who was preparing to load passengers alongside his pregnant wife, described the harrowing experience as a terrifying ordeal.
“I was getting ready to load my vehicle from Port Harcourt to Ebonyi State. As I was opening my car boot, I heard the sound of fire. I fell down, got up and ran just before any explosion. It damaged my vehicle. Some people got injured, including me. Nobody died,” he recounted.
Eyewitnesses at the scene confirmed that the explosion and subsequent fire caused significant panic among commuters and residents in the area, leading to a swift evacuation of the immediate vicinity.
The exact cause of the explosion has yet to be officially determined, but preliminary investigations are underway by relevant authorities. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards and protocols at fueling stations, particularly those situated close to transport hubs and densely populated areas.
Officials from the Rivers State Fire Service praised the coordinated response with the Nigerian Air Force Fire Service, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in emergency situations. They urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or safety violations around fuel stations to prevent similar occurrences.
Though the fire caused extensive property damage and injuries, no fatalities were reported, which relief many who feared a more tragic outcome.
As investigations continue, affected victims are seeking assistance to recover losses, especially those who rely on their vehicles for livelihood, like Mr. Ninyaegwu. Local authorities have promised to provide support where possible and review safety regulations for gas stations across the state.
The Nobpet explosion serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by improper handling or maintenance of gas fueling facilities, reinforcing the need for stringent safety measures to protect lives and property in such high-risk environments.
