On Tuesday evening, a massive explosion occurred at an MRS filling station along Numan Road, near Yola International Airport in Adamawa State, Nigeria. The explosion involved two petrol-laden tankers that were unloading fuel. The fire spread quickly, engulfing the tankers and causing significant damage to nearby properties.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang before the fire broke out. Many vehicles in the vicinity were consumed by the flames. The explosion caused panic among residents, who rushed to the scene despite the dangers. Authorities blocked the main road into Yola to manage the crowd and allow emergency responders to work effectively.
Firefighters from the Adamawa State Fire Service, Federal Fire Service, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN) were deployed to contain the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire continued to spread, making it difficult for people to move in and out of the state capital.
The Adamawa State Police spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed the explosion and said that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause and assess the damage. While no official fatalities have been reported, eyewitnesses claimed that at least 10 people caught in the fire had died, with others suffering severe burns.
This incident is part of a troubling trend of fuel tanker explosions in Nigeria this year. In January 2025 alone, there were multiple tragic tanker accidents, including an explosion on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway that killed 11 people, an explosion in Niger State that claimed 86 lives, and another in Delta State that left five dead.
Amid growing concerns over road safety and fuel transportation, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu donated 100 million naira ($67,189) to victims of the Niger State explosion. Authorities have called for urgent investigations into the rising number of tanker accidents and emphasized the need for stricter safety measures to prevent further tragedies.