By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

A tanker inferno in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State has claimed two lives, leaving several others with varying degrees of injury.

The incident which occurred on Sunday evening around the popular International Building Materials Market also consumed about 14 vehicles, including luxurious buses and other properties worth millions of naira.

Information has it that the fire emanated from a fallen tanker conveying inflammable content which fell into a drainage and caught fire after spilling its content.

According to a resident of the area, who claimed to be at the scene when the incident happened, the tanker was stationary when another articulated vehicle trailer rammed into it, following loss of control.

He said: “Several luxury buses parked around the area immediately went up in flames. Shops and buildings within the area were also not left out too. The fire was too much that it was difficult for fire service officers to battle.”

Confirming the incident, Anambra Chief Fire Service, Engr. Martin Agbili, said two people died in the incident while 14 buses and properties were lost to the inferno.

He said: “The fire could have escalated to other parts of the area if not for the quick arrival of my men and assistance from other stations, including the one inside the market.

“Immediately we were alerted, I deployed my men who stormed the scene with five trucks to battle the fire which lasted for several hours.

“The buses affected in the incident where those within the area. We’re yet to ascertain the number of injured. We thank God we were able to contain the fire.”

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said: “Our men have cordoned off the area presently to avoid hoodlums taking advantage of the fire to loot.”

Update news