Abuja, Nigeria — An explosion at a gas refilling outlet near Liberty Junction in Kubwa, Abuja, sent shockwaves through the area early Sunday morning, shaking nearby buildings, uprooting signposts and overturning a traffic warden’s booth as residents fled in panic.
The incident occurred in the early hours at a roadside gas vendor’s shop along the newly inaugurated Arab Road, close to Liberty Junction. The blast triggered a fire at the facility where gas cylinders were stored. Thick smoke rose from the scene as residents and passers-by gathered, according to videos circulating online and eyewitness accounts.
The Federal Fire Service, FCT Command, said its firefighters and other emergency responders arrived at the scene at about 6:30 a.m. and successfully contained the fire, averting what it described as a potentially major and destructive gas explosion.
“The Federal Fire Service, FCT Command firefighters and other emergency responders today, Sunday 27th September 2026, at about 6:30am swiftly responded to a gas fire at Liberty Junction, Kubwa, Abuja, averting what would have been a major destructive gas explosion,” the Fire Service stated.
Additional water tankers from the Fire Service and operatives of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) joined the response efforts.
Residents of nearby areas, including Dantata Estate, reported that the explosion was loud enough to wake people from their sleep. Some said their buildings shook from the impact.
“The explosion was loud enough to wake people from their sleep, and we could feel the buildings shaking. Everyone was wondering what had happened,” one resident told journalists.
Eyewitnesses alleged on social media that the fire started after a motorist driving against traffic crashed into the gas outlet. The claim has not been independently verified by authorities.
As of the time of this report, the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation. It was also unclear whether there were any deaths or injuries. No official casualty figures have been released by emergency agencies or the police.
The ground around Liberty Junction showed signs of the blast, with debris and displaced installations visible. Traffic in the area was disrupted as emergency teams worked to secure the scene.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while investigations continue. Further updates are expected as more details emerge from the Federal Fire Service, NEMA and the FCT Police Command.
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