A fuel-laden tanker exploded on Shehu Shagari Way in Maitama, a highbrow area of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, on Monday, September 23, causing panic.

Three persons were left injured after the tanker with Reg No. T20 146 LA fully loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) burst into flames following a collision with a Toyota Sienna space bus at the Imani roundabout in Maitama.

Eyewitnesses described flames billowing into the sky as motorists fled their vehicles, abandoning them on the busy road in a frantic attempt to escape the inferno. The incident caused significant gridlock, impacting multiple nearby roads, including routes connecting Farmers Market, Nicon Hilton Hotel, MTN, and Chicken House.

According to the FCT Police Command spokesperson, the Police patrol teams from Maitama, Wuse and Central Police Station alongside operatives of the Federal Fire Service swiftly moved to the scene to possibly rescue victims and extinguish the fire.

She said while no fatality was recorded, three persons, Idris Mohammed, Suleiman Gimba and Adamu Isiayku were injured and immediately rushed to Maitama district hospital for medical attention.

Adah said the situation is now under control as the combined efforts of the Police and Fire service personnel were enough to curtail and extinguish the fire.