Residents and motorists were thrown into panic late Saturday after a major fire outbreak engulfed Oransonic Petrol Station along Oba Nnewi New Road in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The filling station reportedly caught fire while a fuel laden truck was being opened for discharge. Eyewitnesses said the blaze appeared to have started around the main underground petroleum discharge tank, triggering fears of a possible explosion and forcing people in nearby buildings to flee for safety.
The station is located close to a popular prayer house known as Nwereowe Healing Centre, which was also affected by the inferno. The fire destroyed the station building, all four pumping units, adjoining shops, and parts of the prayer centre.
A video circulating on social media showed thick flames and smoke billowing from the premises as residents and passers by ran from the scene. Some residents alleged that the truck carrying fuel suddenly burst into flames during the discharge process, igniting the station and surrounding structures.
At the early stage of the incident, firefighters were reportedly not on ground, prompting staff of the station and residents to make frantic efforts to contain the blaze before it spread further. The quick response from members of the community helped prevent what could have been a more devastating disaster.
As of the time of filing this report, no casualties had been officially confirmed. However, properties worth millions of naira were said to have been destroyed in the fire.
When contacted, officials of the Anambra State Fire Service said they would make enquiries and provide further details on the cause of the incident and the extent of the damage.
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