ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with families of those who died in the chemical market explosion in Onitsha, Anambra State.
It was gathered that four persons were feared to have died, while 12 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, following an explosion at the Onitsha Chemical Market on Tuesday.
According to sources, the explosion led to an inferno in the area, with over N850million worth of goods destroyed in the process.
“The explosion occurred at about 12:45 pm at the market, which led to a stampede, and later fire,” a source said.
Reacting, the President in a condolence message by spokesman Garba Shehu yesterday in Abuja, said he shared the pain of loss with those who had investments in the market.
Buhari while urging all emergency, humanitarian and security agencies to provide all the necessary support for the victims, also prayed that almighty God would grant the injured quick recovery.
Also, he urged security agencies to ensure thorough investigation into the incident.
A director in the state fire service, Mr. Martin Agbili, said that 80 shops were affected in the blast.
In a statement, Agbili said the incident took place at the Science and Lab Line of Ogbo Ogwu Market, but not the entire Ogbo Ogwu Market, Onitsha.
“It is really a terrible situation but the fire is under control now. The vibration from the explosions caused the collapse of some market buildings.
“A lot of safety measures have been taken to protect the entire market. There are casualties but we can’t ascertain the actual number of death and the injured,” he said in the statement.
Speaking also, the Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike who visited the victims of the fire in nearby Asaba, Delta State where they are being treated, said three persons died, while eight sustained injuries.
His words: “I was in Asaba with my medical personnel and the victims are responding to treatment.
“We shall continue to assist and visit those victims and provide medical services to them because it is an unfortunate incident.
“Preliminary findings revealed that some containers of chemicals exploded at the Government Line in the market and unfortunately many people got injured while some lost their lives.”
The Commissioner for Health added that goods worth millions of naira were damaged in the inferno.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, many injuries and material losses recorded as a result of this unfortunate incident,” he said.