Scores cheat death as fire guts Uche Ogah’s filling station in Umuahia * Sen Orji’s constituency office torched

Scores cheat death as fire guts Uche Ogah’s filling station in Umuahia

* Sen Orji’s constituency office torched

By Steve Oko

Scores of residents and staff of Masters Energy petrol station belonging to the Minister of States for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, escaped being roasted alive Saturday in Umuahia, Abia State capital, as a tanker laden with diesel suddenly went up in flames while discharging its product at the station located at Aba Road Umuahia.

The incident which occured around 9:00am caused pandemonium in the capital city as residents scampered for safety while columns of dark smoke billowed up the skies.

But for providence and timely intervention of fire service men, security operatives and concerned residents, the entire petrol station would have been gulped by fire.

The tanker was however, completely burnt with another sienna car parked close to it while part of the roof of the petrol station building was also affected by the inferno.

Similarly, many of the canopy tents in the premises of the immediate neighborhood housing the constituency office of Senator Theodore Orj representing Abia Central at Ojike Street were destroyed by the inferno.

No life was however lost.

Speaking with newsmen at the scene of the incident, the Acting Controller, Abia State Fire Service, Mr. Arua Nnanna, said he quickly mobilised his men to the scene immediately he was alerted .

He said the fire was brought under control after hours of intense fight by his men with the collaborative efforts of security agencies and volunteer residents.

The State Fire Service boss said the actual cause of the inferno was still being investigated.

But an eye witness told Wawa News Global that the tanker was discharging commodity when suddenly someone shouted “fire” after a sudden spark by the vehicle.

The Fire Service Controller expressed concern over rising incidents of fire outbreak in the state, and advised residents to be circumspect and avoid actions that could lead to fire outbreak.

Recall that fews days ago, part of the State high court was gutted by fire but no life was also lost.

“I advise Abia residents to be careful especially now that the harmattan is increasing in intensity. Before leaving your house switch off all electric appliances”, he cautioned.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Professor ACB Agbazuere, who was also at the scene to support the efforts to bring the fire under control, thanked God that no life was lost.

He commended the state fire fighters and security operatives as well as residents for their prompt response and efforts in putting out the fire.

Agbazuere promised continued Government’s support to the state fire Service, and advised residents to be proactive over fire incidents.

Chief Liaison Officer to Senator Orji, Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, also thanked God that no life was lost.

Umere who was still moody over the damages, however, noted that the damages would have been more if the incident occurred at night.

He commended the state fire service, security agencies and volunteers for their prompt response and efforts in quelling the fire.

 

 

Chief of Staff to the Governor,Professor Agbazuere at the scene of the incident

Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.

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