At least two welders were killed and three other sustained injuries when a fuel tanker exploded at a filling station in Daffo community of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Friday morning.

An underground fuel tank reportedly exploded during routine maintenance at Natty Filling Station.

Chairman of Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LGA, Kefas Mallai, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Jos, said the explosion happened while artisans were attempting to fix a leaking section of the tank.

“Yes, it is true. Today, Friday, April 17, 2026, two persons died and three others were injured when an underground tank at a filling station in Daffo exploded during welding maintenance,” he said.

Mallai explained that the victims who died were a welder and his apprentice.

“The dead victims were a welder and his boy. They were trying to weld the leaking part of the underground tank,” he added.

He noted that the artisans had assumed the tank was safe to work on because it contained no fuel at the time.

“There was no fuel in the tank, so they believed it was safe. But immediately they commenced welding, the tank exploded, engulfing the area in flames and killing them instantly,” he said.

According to him, three other persons who were nearby watching the repair work sustained varying degrees of injuries in the blast.

“The injured persons were bystanders who had gathered at the scene. They have been taken to hospital and are currently receiving treatment,” Mallai stated.

He described the incident as unfortunate and called for improved safety measures during maintenance operations at fuel stations. (Daily Trust)