The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched a manhunt for the driver of an unregistered Toyota 4Runner Jeep who allegedly drove against traffic before crashing into a cooking gas plant in Byazhin, Abuja, triggering an explosion and fire.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, around Liberty Junction, Byazhin.
According to the police, the driver was travelling against traffic when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle and rammed into the gas plant.
The impact caused an explosion and massive fire that engulfed the gas facility, nearby shops and other properties.
The FCT Police Command said its Kubwa Division received a distress call from a resident and immediately deployed officers to the scene.
The police officers subsequently contacted the Federal Fire Service, which responded and worked with them to contain the inferno.
“Preliminary investigations by the Police team revealed that the fire outbreak was caused by the driver of an unregistered Toyota 4Runner Jeep, who was driving against traffic (one-way),” the police said.
The driver and other occupants of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash.
The police said they had established the identity of the driver and were currently tracking him.
Although several properties were affected by the fire, the command said no casualty was recorded.
It added that the full value of properties destroyed in the inferno had yet to be determined.
The police said normalcy had been restored in the area and urged residents to return to their lawful businesses.
The command also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency numbers.
