A petroleum and cooking gas filling station along the Bukuru Expressway in Jos, the Plateau State capital, was on Thursday morning engulfed by fire, sparking panic among residents and motorists in the area.
The affected facility, located close to the Jos South Local Government Secretariat, was reportedly consumed by flames that erupted around the main underground petroleum discharge tank, heightening fears over the possible extent of damage.
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Eyewitnesses said firefighters were initially absent from the scene, while staff of the station were seen making desperate attempts to control the blaze.
“We noticed the fire early this morning at a filling station popularly known as Chill Cherry,” a passer-by, identified as Maman said
Customers and passers-by were said to have fled the vicinity for safety, especially as the station also dispenses cooking gas.
“I saw two emergency response vehicles speeding toward the area. Their quick action shows improved cooperation between federal and state fire services in handling emergencies and protecting lives and property. I hope they are able to put out the fire,” a customer who escaped from the scene said.
Confirming the incident, the Plateau State spokesperson of the Federal Fire Service, CSF E.E. Anzolo, said personnel of the Plateau State Fire Service had been deployed to manage the situation.
The cause of the fire had not been determined as of the time of filing this report.
