An explosion at a filling station in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday claimed the lives of two welders .
It was learnt that the incident also left three other persons injured.
Some residents of the Bokkos town including Kefas Mallai confirmed the incident to Periscope Nigeria in Jos on Friday .
Mallai who is the chairman of the Community Peace Observers in the LGA said that the explosion occurred at the fuel station in Daffo community while maintenance work was being carried out on an underground tank.
“Yes it’s true. Today, Friday 17th April, 2026, two persons died, and three others were injured at Daffo Town of Bokkos LGA, Plateau State as an underground tank of Natty Filling Station exploded during welding maintenance.. Residents and sympathizers who heard of the explosion have just gathered at the scene at the moment,” Mallai said
He said the deceased were a welder and his apprentice who were working on a leaking section of the tank.
“The dead victims were a welder and his boy. They were trying to weld the leaking part of the underground tank,” he explained.
According to Mallai, the artisans did not anticipate danger because the tank was empty.
“There was no fuel in the tank and because of that, they thought there was no problem. But as soon as they started work on the tank, it suddenly exploded with fire everywhere killing the two artisans instantly,” he said.
“Three persons who were standing nearby and watching the repairs sustained injuries in the blast.
“The three persons who sustained injuries were standing nearby watching as the repairs were going on. While the dead are not yet buried, those injured have been rushed to the hospital and are currently receiving treatment,” Mallai said.
He described the incident as unfortunate. “The incident is rather unfortunate and may the souls of those departed rest in peace,” he said.
Authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the incident at press time. The identities of the victims were also not immediately known at the time of filling this report
The blast has again raised concerns over safety procedures during maintenance of underground fuel tanks at filling stations.
