One person has sustained severe burns after a fire suspected to have been deliberately started destroyed several storage tanks and other properties at a diesel storage facility in Nnewi, Anambra State.
The incident occurred late on Sunday at Ndieze Nwankwo, along Edibros Road, Uruagu, in Nnewi North Local Government Area.
The fire reportedly caused panic among residents as thick smoke engulfed the area. Several diesel storage tanks were affected, while eyewitnesses said explosions were heard during the incident.
An eyewitness disclosed that the fire burned for several minutes before firefighters arrived and brought the situation under control.
The injured victim was immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention. No death was reported.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said the agency received a distress call at about 5:45 pm on Sunday, November 1.
He explained that firefighters quickly mobilised to the scene and successfully contained the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby facilities.
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Chiketa said the incident was suspected to be arson following allegations that an unidentified individual deliberately set the facility on fire.
However, he noted that the actual cause of the outbreak remained under investigation.
The fire service urged residents to handle and store petroleum products carefully and report emergencies promptly to prevent loss of lives and property.
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