The accident led to panic and traffic gridlock in the area as motorists and residents were forced to take alternative routes while passersby scurried for safety.
No fewer than three persons have been reportedly injured in a fire incident when a fuel-laden tanker exploded along Shehu Shagari Way in the Maitama area of Abuja after colliding with a commercial vehicle on Monday night.
The accident led to panic and traffic gridlock in the area as motorists and residents were forced to take alternative routes while passersby scurried for safety.
Three persons were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries in the process.
SaharaReporters gathered that the tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) had a head-on collision with a Sienna vehicle leading to the explosion.
It took the timely intervention of the FCT fire fighters who battled to put out the fire.
Meanwhile the tanker was burnt beyond recognition.
The FCT Police Spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, also confirmed the incident in a statement she issued on behalf of Commissioner of Police.
The statement read "In response to a fire outbreak resulting from the collision of a tanker with Reg No. T20 146 LA fully loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and a Toyota Sienna space bus at Imani roundabout in Maitama, Abuja, today, September 23, 2024, at about 07:50 p.m., the FCT Police Command swiftly mobilised Police patrol teams from Maitama, Wuse and Central Police Station alongside operatives of the Federal Fire Service to the scene to possibly rescue victims and extinguish the fire.
"While no fatality was recorded, three persons, Idris Mohammed, Suleiman Gimba and Adamu Isiayku were injured and immediately rushed Maitama district hospital for medical attention.
"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. Further developments will be communicated in due course."