Black Wednesday: Scores of Lives, Properties Lost as Fire Engulf Ochanja Market, Onitsha (Photos & Videos) ||| NEWS CORNER

Francis Emekwe, Chisom Ajoku and ThankGod Emeh

Residents and Traders at Ochanja market, Upper Iweka road, Onitsha, Anambra State and environs on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 witnessed black moment as catastrophic fire outbreak claimed lives in the area.

According to reports, the ugly incident occurred at Mobil Petrol Station at DMGS roundabout, Onitsha when a Tanker laden with petroleum products, fell into a ditch and spilled its contents which shortly resulted in a ball of Fire and quickly spread.

An eye witness who spoke to News Corner said, “the fire was caused by a petrol tanker loaded with fuel, which lost control and exploded into balls of fire after ramming into buildings in the Upper Iweka axis of the city.”

It was recorded that the fire razed down buildings, structures, including shops, on Upper Iweka Road, Onitsha and at Ochanja market.

Speaking to another eye witness, Miss Oluebube Uzor, it was learnt that Men of the Anambra State Fire Service arrived on the scene in good time after several calls were put to them with their fighting equipment but left when their efforts to quench the devastating inferno proved abortive and never returned.

Miss Oluebube disclosed that the fire incident has been a recalling decimal in the scene of accident, noting that such ugly incidents happens during ‘Ember months’ every year with one excuse or another.

“The Fire incidents has been a negative routine in Onitsha, especially during Ember months every year. Last year’s inferno happened on a Sunday and claimed hundreds of lives and today, we have experienced another black day claiming lives and properties worth billions of Naira.”

“The accident involved a Gas Tanker and Fuel Tanker which collided with one another and the inferno started from MCC road escalated to Onitsha main Market”, Oluebube added.

Another report reaching News Corner crew has it that angry mob on the scene who were disappointed on the inability of men of the Anambra Fire Service to professionally battle the inferno, prevented other fire fighting trucks including one from neighbouring Asaba in Delta State, from getting to the scene.

The incident has created chaos among residents and traders in the nearby Ochanja market.

In a swift reaction, Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano expressed sympathy over the unfortunate situation that has caused people’s lives and properties, directed owners of properties affected by the tragic accident, including shop owners to report at Ekwueme Square on Friday October 18, 2019 to see how the State Government can assist them.

Governor Obiano said a panel will be set up immediately to determine the cause of the accident, why the firemen could not put out the fire and how the condition of the victims can be ameliorated.

Government calls on Citizens especially those directly affected to remain calm in the face of the disaster as it will do all within its powers to ameliorate the suffering of those involved.

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