Two persons have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries following an explosion at a petrol station in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Saturday.
The incident, which initially sparked fears of a bomb blast after misleading reports circulated online, has been clarified by the police as an industrial accident.
Confirming the development, the Plateau State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, said the explosion occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd, a filling station located in Daffo District.
According to him, the blast happened during ongoing repair work on an underground storage tank at the facility.
“The Plateau State Police Command has been drawn to certain false, misleading and alarmist reports currently circulating, alleging that there was a bomb blast and outbreak of crisis in Plateau State,” Alabo stated.
He explained that the explosion was triggered while artisans were carrying out welding operations at the site.
“The Plateau State Police Command received a report of an explosion which occurred at Natty Petroleum Investment Nigeria Ltd while welding repair works were being carried out on an underground storage tank,” he added.
Authorities have since urged the public to disregard misinformation surrounding the incident, emphasizing that there is no security threat linked to the explosion.
The injured victims are currently receiving medical attention, while investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident are ongoing.
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