A fire outbreak on Tuesday, March 25, night destroyed shops and goods worth millions of naira near Ochanja Market, Onitsha, Anambra State.
The blaze, which started around 8:30 p.m. at Iweka Road, engulfed several shops before firefighters arrived. Many traders had already closed for the day, leaving their goods vulnerable to the flames.
Confirming the incident on Wednesday, March 26, the Anambra State Fire Service said it received a distress call at about 9:40 p.m. and immediately deployed a team to the scene.
“Anambra State Fire Service at about 9:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25, received a distress call about a raging fire outbreak at the popular Iweka Road, close to Ochanja Market, Onitsha,” said Chukwudi Chiketa, the state fire chief.
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“Immediately, a crew of firemen and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene of the fire outbreak. They fought gallantly and contained the incident, stopping the fire from further escalation.
“The incident affected four shops, and many others were saved in a two-storey building. These shops contained furniture materials such as leather, foam, and others.
“The cause of the fire outbreak has not been ascertained. The crew of firemen withdrew from the incident’s scene at 3:05 a.m. on Wednesday, March 26,” Chiketa added.
The extent of losses is still being assessed, while traders count the cost of the destruction.