Blast of buried fuel container claims lives of two people in Plateau region

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An explosion at a filling station in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday killed two welders.

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Three other persons were injured in the incident.

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Residents, including the Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in the area, Kefas Mallai, confirmed the incident to The PUNCH in Jos.

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Mallai said the explosion occurred at a filling station in Daffo community while maintenance was being carried out on an underground tank.

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He said the victims, a welder and his apprentice, were working on a leaking section of the tank when it exploded.

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“Today, Friday 17th April, 2026, two persons died, and three others were injured at Daffo Town of Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, as an underground tank of Natty Filling Station exploded during welding maintenance.

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“Residents and sympathisers who heard of the explosion have just gathered at the scene at the moment,” Mallai said

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He said the deceased were a welder and his apprentice who were working on a leaking section of the tank.

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Mallai added that the workers believed the tank was empty and did not anticipate any danger.

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“There was no fuel in the tank, and because of that, they thought there was no problem. But as soon as they started work on the tank, it suddenly exploded with fire everywhere, killing the two artisans instantly,” he said.

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He said three persons standing nearby sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.

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Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.

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The identities of the victims were not immediately known.

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