By Uche Nworah, Ph.D
Multiple explosions rocked the mega Ashafa Petrol Station in Garki, Abuja, at about 9:30 pm on Thursday, 6 August 2026.
The deafening blasts, which occurred in quick succession, initially left residents fearing that a bomb had exploded somewhere in the area. The explosions triggered panic around the Rita Lori Hotel and Nlacha-Aka Restaurant & Bar axis on Jere Street.
People fled in all directions in a desperate bid to save their lives, unsure of what was happening. Some motorists reportedly abandoned their vehicles in the middle of the road and took to their heels as confusion gripped the neighbourhood.
A measure of reassurance came when fire service trucks, with their sirens blaring, sped towards the petrol station. Shortly afterwards, thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the scene, confirming that the incident was a major fire outbreak rather than a bomb explosion. As the situation became clearer, some residents cautiously returned to the area.
Despite the late hour, large crowds gathered along adjoining streets, discussing the incident while personnel of the Federal Fire Service battled to contain the inferno, which was reported to have spread to adjoining buildings.
