Tragedy struck in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday as two welders were killed and three others injured in an explosion at a filling station in Daffo town.

The incident occurred at Natty Filling Station when an underground fuel tank reportedly exploded during maintenance work.

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

“Today, Friday, April 17, 2026, two persons lost their lives and three others were injured when an underground tank exploded during welding work at a filling station in Daffo,” he said.

Mallai identified the deceased as a welder and his apprentice, noting that they were working on the tank at the time of the explosion.

“The victims were trying to weld a leaking section of the underground tank. They assumed it was safe because there was no fuel in it,” he explained.

He, however, said the tank suddenly exploded shortly after welding commenced, engulfing the area in flames and killing the two workers instantly.

Three other persons, believed to be bystanders who had gathered at the scene, sustained varying degrees of injuries in the blast.

“The injured have been taken to hospital and are currently receiving treatment,” Mallai added.

He described the incident as unfortunate and called for stricter adherence to safety protocols during maintenance operations at fuel stations.

As of the time of filing this report, the identities of the victims had not been officially released, while it remained unclear whether emergency responders and security agencies had visited the scene.