Two dead, three injured as fuel tanker explodes during maintenance in Plateau community

At least two welders lost their lives, while three other persons sustained injuries following a fuel tanker explosion at a filling station in Daffo community, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday morning.

The incident reportedly occurred when an underground fuel tank exploded during routine maintenance at Natty Filling Station.
Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the development to journalists in Jos, explained that the explosion happened as artisans were attempting to repair a leaking section of the tank.
“Yes, it is true. Today, Friday, April 17, 2026, two persons died and three others were injured when an underground tank at a filling station in Daffo exploded during welding maintenance,” he said.
Mallai disclosed that those who died were a welder and his apprentice.
“The dead victims were a welder and his assistant. They were trying to weld the leaking part of the underground tank,” he stated.
He further explained that the workers had assumed the tank was safe to handle because it contained no fuel at the time.
“There was no fuel in the tank, so they believed it was safe. But immediately they started welding, the tank exploded, engulfing the area in flames and killing them instantly,” he added.
According to him, three other individuals who were present at the scene observing the repair work suffered varying degrees of injuries from the explosion.
“The injured persons were bystanders who had gathered at the scene. They have been taken to hospital and are currently receiving treatment,” Mallai said.
He described the incident as unfortunate and stressed the need for stricter safety measures during maintenance operations at fuel stations. (Daily Trust)