…the fire suddenly erupted while a truck loaded with fuel was being opened for discharge
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Fire broke out late Saturday at a petroleum and cooking gas outlet, Oransonic Petrol Station, along the Oba–Nnewi New Road in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, throwing residents, customers and passers-by into panic.
The filling station, located a short distance from a popular prayer house, reportedly went up in flames while a fuel-laden truck was being opened for discharge.
A video circulating on social media captured the facility engulfed in flames as residents and motorists fled the scene, with a voice-over explaining how the incident allegedly occurred.
It was gathered that the fire ravaged the station building, four pumping units, adjoining shops and a nearby prayer house identified as Nwereowe Healing Centre.
Eyewitnesses said the blaze appeared to have started near the main underground petroleum discharge tank, sparking fears of a possible escalation and prompting occupants of surrounding buildings to scamper to safety.
In the early moments of the incident, firefighters were reportedly absent, as staff and some residents made desperate attempts to contain the flames.
A passer-by, who identified herself simply as Mama Uzor, said the fire suddenly erupted while a truck loaded with fuel was being opened for discharge, describing it as a “black Saturday” for the station. She added that the flames destroyed the four pumping units, affected the station building, nearby shops and the prayer house.
She further claimed that the truck conveying the fuel burst into flames, igniting the inferno that consumed property within the premises.
As of the time of filing this report, no casualty had been officially confirmed, although residents and passers-by were said to have quickly mobilised to help put out the fire.
When contacted on Sunday, the Media Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by Chukwudi Chiketa, said it would make enquiries and provide further details.
Details later…
