Residents flee as fire guts Anambra filling station

Residents, customers and passers-by were thrown into panic late Saturday after a petroleum and cooking gas outlet, Oransonic Petrol Station, located along the Oba–Nnewi New Road in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, was engulfed by fire.

The filling station, situated 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 showed the station ablaze as residents and motorists fled the area, with a voice-over narrating how the fire allegedly started.

It was gathered that the inferno affected the station building, four pumping units, adjoining shops and a nearby prayer house identified as Nwereowe Healing Centre.

Eyewitnesses and residents said the fire appeared to have started around the main underground petroleum discharge tank, raising fears of a possible escalation and forcing occupants of nearby buildings to scamper to safety.

At the early stage of the incident, no firefighters were reportedly on ground, as staff of the station and some residents made frantic efforts to contain the blaze.

A passer-by who identified herself simply as Mama Uzor said, “We just saw the fire at the filling station popularly known as Oransonic station. The fire suddenly started when a truck loaded with fuel was being opened for discharge.

“It was a black Saturday at the filling station as the fire destroyed all four pumping units. The inferno also affected the station building, adjoining shops and the nearby prayer house.

“We learnt that the truck carrying the fuel burst into flames and immediately ignited fire, destroying property within the premises.”

As of the time of filing this report, no casualty had been officially confirmed, though residents and passers-by were said to have mobilised quickly 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…

Culled from punch