ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Panic gripped traders at the Electrical Market along Old Onitsha-Nnewi Road in Nnewi on Wednesday morning after a fire outbreak destroyed five shops before it was eventually contained.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., shortly after traders resumed business activities.
Eyewitnesses said the blaze started from a shop in a one-storey building housing electrical appliances and spread rapidly, triggering confusion as traders scrambled to salvage goods and seek help.
Efforts to reach the Nnewi Fire Service reportedly proved unsuccessful in the early stages, forcing traders to rely on self-help.
An eyewitness, Mr. Kingsley Okafor, said a nearby water tanker driver was quickly mobilised to assist.
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“The driver responded immediately without negotiating payment. With the help of traders, he began spraying water on the building, and they were able to contain the fire before it escalated,” he said.
Officials of the Anambra State Fire Service later arrived at the scene and confirmed that five shops were affected.
The State Fire Chief, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, said although no life was lost, goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in the inferno.
He noted that while the exact cause of the fire has yet to be determined, a power surge resulting in an electrical spark is suspected.
Traders expressed relief that the swift intervention prevented the blaze from spreading to adjoining buildings within the busy market.