Two petrol-laden tankers caught fire at an MRS filling station on Numan Road, opposite Jezco filling station, near Yola International Airport on Tuesday.
The route into Yola, the state capital, was blocked as curious locals gathered to witness the blaze, disregarding the danger.
At the time of reporting, two fuel tankers had been consumed by the fire. Firefighters arrived promptly but appeared to have exhausted their water supply while battling the flames.
Security personnel were also present to safeguard the area.
The tanker explosions in Nigeria come amid a severe economic crisis, making petrol a highly prized commodity in Africa’s most populous nation.
In January 2025, at least 11 people died when a petrol tanker exploded on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The tanker reportedly suffered brake failure, overturned, and spilled its contents, leading to a massive explosion.
At least 86 people perished, and 55 were injured on January 18, 2025 while attempting to collect fuel from an overturned tanker in Niger State.
Earlier in January 2025, a petrol-laden tanker lost control and ignited, killing at least five in the Agbor area of Delta State.
In October 2024, a tanker explosion in Jigawa State resulted in over 170 deaths and numerous injuries.
In September 2024, 59 individuals died when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle in northwestern Niger State.