Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Panic and mourning have gripped Daffo community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State after an explosion at a filling station claimed the lives of two welders and left three others injured during maintenance work on an underground fuel tank on Friday.
The incident, which occurred at Natty Filling Station in Daffo, reportedly happened while a team of welders and their assistants were carrying out repairs on a leaking section of an underground storage tank believed to be empty at the time of the operation.
According to residents and community leaders, the explosion occurred suddenly during the welding process, sending flames and shockwaves across the facility and prompting panic among nearby traders and residents who rushed to the scene in distress.
A community peace observer, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the incident, said the workers had assumed that no fuel remained in the tank, a belief that may have contributed to the accident when vapours ignited during the maintenance activity.
He explained that emergency responders and local volunteers quickly arrived after the blast, evacuating the injured victims to nearby medical facilities, while efforts were made to prevent further escalation at the site.
Medical sources in the area said the injured victims were receiving treatment for burns and related trauma, though the exact severity of their conditions had not been officially disclosed at the time of reporting.
The explosion has raised renewed concerns about safety practices at fuel stations, particularly the risks associated with welding or maintenance work on petroleum storage tanks that may still contain flammable vapours even when believed to be empty.
In Nigeria, regulatory authorities such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority have repeatedly warned operators to adhere strictly to safety standards during maintenance operations, especially those involving underground storage systems.
Plateau State has in recent years experienced several fire and explosion incidents linked to fuel handling and industrial activities, prompting calls from civil society groups for improved enforcement of safety regulations and better training for technicians working in high-risk environments.
As investigations continue into the cause of the explosion, authorities are expected to assess compliance with safety protocols at the facility, while the community awaits further official clarification on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Such investigations typically examine equipment integrity, adherence to safety procedures, environmental conditions at the time of the incident, and the qualifications of personnel involved in the maintenance operation.
Local residents in Daffo have expressed shock over the incident, describing it as a tragic reminder of the risks associated with fuel-related infrastructure located close to residential and commercial areas.
Community leaders have also called for increased safety monitoring and periodic inspections of fuel stations to prevent similar occurrences, stressing that public safety must remain a priority for both operators and regulators.
Emergency services in Plateau State have in recent years responded to multiple incidents involving fire outbreaks and industrial accidents, highlighting the ongoing need for improved response coordination and equipment availability.
Although official statements regarding the latest explosion are still awaited, authorities are expected to release further details following a comprehensive assessment of the site and interviews with witnesses and operators.
Safety experts emphasize that incidents like the Daffo explosion are largely preventable when internationally accepted standards for confined space entry and hot work are strictly implemented, including pre-work risk assessment and continuous supervision.
Industry stakeholders also point to the need for improved training of welders and maintenance workers, many of whom operate in informal or semi-formal settings without consistent access to updated safety certifications or equipment.
The tragedy has renewed discussions on strengthening collaboration between regulatory agencies, facility owners, and local communities to ensure early detection of hazards and swift intervention when risks are identified.
While the investigation continues, the incident stands as another reminder of the persistent safety challenges within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, where rapid urban growth, high demand for fuel services, and regulatory constraints often intersect to create complex operational risks. Authorities are expected to intensify oversight measures in the coming months with renewed focus on compliance education, enforcement visits, and penalties for non-compliant operators. Community members expressed hope that lessons will improve safety standards and prevent future losses in incidents.
Local authorities said further updates will be communicated after preliminary safety audits are concluded and technical reports are submitted by investigators in due course officially.
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