Aden (South24) 

Three people were killed and 18 others injured yesterday (Aug 30) in two massive explosions at a gas station in the capital Aden, according to the Aden Health Office and local police department.

A security source told ‘South24 Center’ that a fire broke out suddenly at a gas station on Al-Teseeen street in the densely populated Al-Mansoura district, causing the station to explode. A gas tanker stationed nearby caught fire and also exploded.

#BREAKING

A massive fire broke out at a gas station in Mansoura, #Aden, South Yemen. Medical sources reported that at least six people were injured in explosions caused by the fire. Civil defense forces managed to extinguish the blaze, according to an official source.#south24 pic.twitter.com/clcLGxSH9z

— South24 | English (@South24E) August 30, 2024

The explosions caused a huge column of flames to rise in the sky, tens of meters high. The fire caused extensive damage to the station and nearby buildings, including peoples’ homes.

The Aden Security Department in a press statement said it had cordoned off the scene to investigate the cause of the fire. It is not yet clear whether the incident was an accident or deliberate.

Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed bin Mubarak visited the scene of the incident accompanied by local officials. He has ordered a review of the gas station licenses in Aden to avoid similar incidents.

Aden Governor Ahmed Lamlas has ordered that the injured be provided necessary treatment.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the STC-backed local authorities and the Yemeni government as a large number of gas and other fuel stations are located in or near residential neighborhoods in Aden.