Gas tanker explodes in Abuja community after ‘mechanical problem’

A truck conveying liquified petroleum gas exploded in Gwagwa community in Abuja on Friday.

The incident was said to have taken place at about 8.30 pm near police junction, Gwagwa.

According to Daily Trust, witnesses said the truck driver suddenly parked at the spot and alerted people to run for safety.

Sani Khalid, a resident of the area, said a cover attached to one of the tanker’s compartments blew up, resulting in the discharge of the tanker’s content.

“And within (a) few minutes the truck caught fire and exploded,” Khalid said.

Usman Mohammed, another resident, said no one could ascertain the level of the damage caused by the inferno, “as residents were watching the incident from afar”.

Confirming the incident in a statement, Josephine Adeh, FCT police spokesperson, said the tanker developed a mechanical problem.

She said the police deployed officers to the scene to prevent an escalation.