A massive fire outbreak engulfed two petrol-laden tankers at an MRS filling station along Numan Road, opposite Jezco filling station, near Yola International Airport on Tuesday.
The inferno, which sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky, drew a crowd of onlookers, causing a blockage on the major road leading into Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
Many residents disregarded the potential danger as they rushed to witness the unfolding disaster.
As of press time, two fuel tankers had been consumed by the flames.
Firefighters had arrived at the scene and launched efforts to contain the blaze, but reports indicated they had run out of water.
Security personnel were also present to maintain order and prevent further incidents.
The incident comes at a time when petrol remains a highly sought-after commodity in Nigeria, as the nation grapples with its worst economic crisis in a generation.
Tanker explosions have become an alarming trend in recent times. In January 2025, at least 11 people lost their lives when a petrol-laden tanker suffered a brake failure and exploded along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
Another tragedy struck on January 18, when at least 86 people were killed, and 55 others injured while scooping fuel from a fallen tanker in Niger State.
Earlier that month, five persons perished in Agbor, Delta State, when a petrol tanker lost control and caught fire.
Nigeria has witnessed multiple catastrophic tanker explosions over the past year. In October 2024, a tanker fire in Jigawa State claimed over 170 lives, while in September 2024, at least 59 people were killed in Niger State when a fuel tanker collided with a passenger truck.
Authorities continue to urge caution around petrol-laden tankers, warning against fuel scooping and reckless driving to prevent further tragedies.