A major explosion in the Song local government area of Adamawa State left widespread destruction late Thursday night when a fuel tanker exploded. The blast completely destroyed a filling station, several vehicles, and a nearby furniture showroom, creating chaos and panic among residents.

The explosion occurred around 11 p.m. when the fuel-laden tanker suddenly caught fire, triggering a violent explosion that sent flames and debris across the area. The fire quickly spread to nearby commercial properties and vehicles, causing significant damage.

Eyewitness accounts described the blast as so powerful that it shook nearby buildings, sending people fleeing in all directions for safety. The fire engulfed everything in its path, including the furniture showroom owned by Mr. Tumba Hero.

Official Reactions:

The Chairman of Song Local Government, Idris Yahaya, visited the scene and expressed his shock at the scale of the disaster. He extended his condolences to those affected, including local business owners and residents, and assured them that the council would work to provide necessary support.

Emergency services were able to control the flames after several hours, but by then, the tanker had been completely destroyed, and numerous vehicles had been reduced to wreckage. The filling station and showroom suffered extensive damage.

While authorities have not released an official casualty count, the incident raises serious concerns about the risks posed by fuel tankers operating in densely populated urban areas, especially during the night.

Calls for Stricter Regulations:

This explosion is part of an increasing trend of fire incidents linked to fuel tankers in Nigeria. Many of these disasters have been blamed on poor safety practices, weak regulation, and the dangerous location of filling stations near residential and business areas. The Adamawa explosion has intensified calls for tighter safety measures and better regulation of fuel tanker operations to prevent further loss of life and property.

The Song local government has begun assessing the damage and is directing victims to reach out to the relevant authorities for potential assistance.