Fresh Explosion Averted At Chemical Market, Onitsha, Less Than 24 Hours After
Report has it that fresh explosion was averted at the Chemical Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, on Wednesday, less than twenty four hours that same market was hit by explosion which claimed yet to be ascertained number of casualties.
The Publicity Secretary of the Bridge Head Market Traders Association, Sir Peter Okala, who disclosed this to newsmen, however, hinted that officers and men of the Anambra state Fire Service fought vigorously to stop the fire from spreading.
It was gathered that the intervention of the men of fire service at the market since the Tuesday incident prevented the fire from spreading.
The Publicity Secretary 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 would 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 have 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 yesterday’s fire incident”.
Okala called on state government 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 destroyed”.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, the injuried 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.
The Commissioner further intimated that Governor Charles Soludo has been briefed about the incident and that the Governor directed him to ensure that those who sustained injuries receive adequate medical attention.
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