Residents, customers and passers-by fled in panic after a petroleum and cooking gas outlet, Oransonic Petrol Station, was gutted by fire along the Oba–Nnewi New Road in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The station, located a short distance from a popular prayer ground, reportedly caught fire while a fuel-laden tanker was being opened to discharge its contents.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick flames and smoke billowing from the premises as motorists abandoned the area and residents ran for safety.
The inferno was said to have destroyed the station building, four fuel dispensing pumps, adjoining shops and a nearby prayer house identified as Nwereowe Healing Centre.
Eyewitnesses said the blaze appeared to have started near the main underground petroleum discharge tank, sparking fears of a major explosion and forcing occupants of surrounding buildings to evacuate.
At the early stage of the incident, firefighters were reportedly absent, prompting staff of the station and some residents to make desperate attempts to contain the flames.
A passer-by, who gave her name simply as Mama Uzor, said the fire began suddenly as the tanker was being opened for discharge.
“It was a black Saturday at the station. The fire destroyed all four pumping units and affected nearby shops and the prayer house. We heard the truck burst into flames and the fire spread quickly,” she said.
As of the time of filing this report, no casualties had been officially confirmed. Residents and passers-by were said to have mobilised swiftly to help prevent further damage.
When contacted on Sunday, the Media Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service said it would make inquiries and provide more details on the incident.
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