A devastating fire incident occurred at the popular Iweka Road, close to Ochanja market, Onitsha, Anambra State, on Tuesday, March 25, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Shops and goods estimated to be worth millions of naira were razed by the inferno.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started around 8:30 pm and raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived at the scene.
Unfortunately, many traders had already closed for the day and gone home, leaving their shops vulnerable to the fire.
The Anambra State Fire Service confirmed the incident, stating that they received a distress call at 9:40 pm and immediately deployed a team of firefighters and equipment to the scene. State Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa praised the bravery of his team, saying they “fought gallantly and contained the incident, stopping the fire from further escalation.”
The fire affected four shops, containing furniture materials such as leather and foam, while many others were saved in a nearby two-story building. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
The firefighters withdrew from the scene at 3:05 am on Wednesday, March 26, after bringing the blaze under control. The incident has left many traders counting their losses, and the market community is still reeling from the aftermath of the devastating fire.
