Maduako Igbokwe l Wednesday, November 9, 2022
ONITSHA, Anambra – Less than 24 hours after explosion that rocked Chemical Market at Bridge Head Onitsha, fresh explosion was averted at the same market early Wednesday morning.
However officers and men of the Anambra state Fire Service fought vigorously to stop the fire incident from spreading. We gathered that the intervention of the men of fire service at the market since the Tuesday stopped the incident from spreading.
The Publicity Secretary of the Bridge Head Market Traders Association Sir Peter Okala said that they discovered fresh fire on Wednesday morning when they arrived the market.
According to him, if not for the presence of Fire Service men since yesterday, the fire could have spread.
“The problem we have in the market is that past leadership of the market did nothing to protect the market despite the huge revenue that they were collecting. Also all the exit routes in the market has been blocked with the construction of illegal structures and shops hence when incidents like this happen people are trapped and that explains the number of deaths and casualties during the fire incident, “he said.
Okala urged Gov Charles Soludo to expedite action in improving fire facilities around the market and other markets in the state.
Meanwhile, Anambra state Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike with his medical team have visited the victims of the incident who are currently receiving attention at hospitals in Asaba Delta state.
According to Obidike; “I’ am already in Asaba with my medical personnel and we were there and other medical facilities where the victims are responding to treatment and the state government is taking pains to take care of them”
“We shall continue to assist and visit those victims and provide medical services to them because it is an unfortunate incident”
“What happened there, was that there was a suspected chemical explosion at the Government line in the market and unfortunately many people got injured while some lost their lives and goods worth millions of naira got lost too.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, many injuries and material losses recorded as a result of this unfortunate incident.”
The commissioner explained that his visits to Delta and other Specialist Hospitals were to ensure that those who sustained various degrees of injuries were receiving adequate medical attention.
“So, I was able to interact with one of the doctors, he assured me that they will treat them well and of course, I will be visiting often.” he added.
According to him, governor Charles Soludo has been briefed about the incident and he directed me to ensure that the injured ones were receiving adequate medical attention.
