On Friday, May 16, 2025, an explosion at the cooking gas section of the Nobpet filling station near the Air Force junction in Port Harcourt resulted in injuries to at least five individuals.
The fire, which engulfed the entire gas section, also damaged over eight vehicles parked near the Ebonyi State Transport Corporation office. Eyewitnesses reported that it took a coordinated effort from the Rivers State Fire Service and the Nigerian Air Force Fire Service to contain the blaze.
Emmanuel Ninyaegwu, a commercial driver whose 18-seater bus was destroyed, sustained an ear injury during the incident. He recounted, “I was preparing to load my vehicle for a trip when I heard the sound of fire. I fell down, got up, and ran just before the explosion occurred. Thankfully, no one died.”
He added that some injured individuals were treated on-site and others were taken to the hospital. “An ambulance from the Air Force arrived and provided assistance. The fire service initially struggled due to a lack of water, but help from the Air Force ultimately allowed them to extinguish the fire.”
Another victim, Anthony Ofoke, the supervisor of the Ebonyi State Transport Corporation, described the incident as devastating. He lost two vehicles in the explosion and said, “It was unexpected. After loading three vehicles, I heard the explosion and had to run for my life. I sustained an injury to my leg, and the fire service treated me.”
Ofoke urged the government to prevent fuel stations from being established near residential areas to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is underway. Spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko remarked, “I’m aware of the fire outbreak at the filling station. Investigations are ongoing.”
