Although no life was lost, at least nine shops were affected, the vehicle involved was completely burnt, while residents reportedly rescued the car driver and a child, who were subsequently rushed to the hospital.
Panic struck Kubwa, a satellite town in Abuja, on Sunday morning when a vehicle crashed into a gas retail shop, triggering an explosion that shook the area, Daily Trust reported.
Traders and residents fled, leaving their belongings behind, as flames swiftly consumed nearby shops and homes.
At least nine shops were affected, and the vehicle involved was completely burnt. However, residents reportedly rescued the car driver and a child, who were subsequently rushed to the hospital.
The incident, according to several reports, shook many buildings in the area and beyond, affected nearby shops, and destroyed shelter stands and signposts.
“The explosion was loud enough to wake people from their sleep, and we could feel the buildings shaking. Everyone was wondering what had happened,” a resident of Dantata Estate, Kubwa, about two kilometres from the scene, told the Daily Trust, describing its impact.
Security operatives and firefighters also went to the scene.
Since January, there have been about five notable fire outbreaks in Abuja, ranging from industrial accidents and market blazes to petrol station explosions.
These preventable occurrences have destroyed millions of properties and injured several citizens.
