Abuja gas plant fire contained as police seek driver

A fire and explosion at a cooking-gas outlet near Liberty Junction in Byazhin, Abuja, spread to nearby shops before police and firefighters brought it under control. The Federal Capital Territory Police Command says an unregistered Toyota 4Runner crashed into the outlet after its driver allegedly travelled against traffic, and that officers are pursuing the identified driver. Police said they received a distress call at about 6:30 a.m. on September 27, 2026, and sent officers from the Kubwa Police Division to the scene. The fire had engulfed the gas plant, nearby shops and other property. The Federal Fire Service responded after being contacted by police and helped contain the blaze. Police later said normal activity had resumed in the area. According to the police account, preliminary investigations indicated that the vehicle was travelling against traffic when its driver lost control and struck the gas plant, triggering the fire. Police said the driver and other occupants left the scene immediately. The command said it had established the driver’s identity and was seeking him. The occupants’ fate remains disputed.