At least five people were injured and eight vehicles, including buses en route to Ebonyi State, were destroyed following a gas explosion at the Nobpet Fueling Station opposite Air Force Junction in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred around 10 a.m. on Thursday, caused panic among commuters and transport operators. The explosion originated from the gas section of the station and quickly spread to the nearby premises of the Ebonyi State Transport Corporation.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that the fire engulfed vehicles parked at the transport company’s yard. The quick response from both the Rivers State Fire Service and the Nigerian Air Force Fire Service helped prevent further damage.
Among the injured was Emmanuel Ninyaegwu, a commercial driver who operates between Port Harcourt and Ebonyi. His 18-seater bus was completely destroyed, and he sustained an ear injury during the incident. He explained that he was preparing to load passengers—including his pregnant wife—when the fire erupted.
“I had just opened my car boot when I heard the fire. I managed to run before the explosion. My bus was burnt, and others around me got injured,” he said.
Emergency responders from the Air Force treated victims on the spot and also transported several to the hospital. Fire service officials reportedly ran out of water during the firefighting process but received backup from the Air Force, who helped contain the blaze.
Mr. Anthony Ofoke, the Ebonyi State Transport Corporation supervisor in Rivers State, confirmed that two of the corporation’s vehicles were burnt. He described the explosion as devastating and called on the government to restrict the siting of fuel stations near residential or commercial hubs.
The Rivers State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the explosion and stated that investigations are underway.
This tragic incident has disrupted transportation for Ebonyi-bound passengers and highlights the need for enhanced safety measures at fuel stations across the country.
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