By Chinyere Nwoye :
It could no more be news that the popular Chemical market in Onitsha went up in an explosion on Tuesday November 8; what will remain in the minds of the people for a long time to come especially the traders is what actually happened and how did it happen?
As at time of putting up this piece, four persons were confirmed dead while health workers at a close-by Hospital were battling to save about 12 others with various degrees of burns.
The sights were gory but it would have been worse without the efforts of public spirited individuals and government agencies like the Anambra State Fire Service who were on hand to assist the bewildered marketers who were out as usual to trade and to pick up something for a bit readjustments somewhere at their homes or other public places.
Cost of goods and properties that were destroyed in the inferno cannot be easily put together even after the mishap would have gone down memory lane.
Director, Fire Service in the state, Engr. Martin Agbili, who confirmed the incident to news men at the site of the mayhem said the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained but that his agile fire fighters were doing their best to save what must be saved putting their experiences in display.
He added, “the cause of the fire and extent of damages is yet to be ascertained but my men are currently at the scene battling the fire.”
The state Police Spokesperson,Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga, who also confirmed the incident said, “the situation is under control.”
“The Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations is currently here and the fire service operatives are also on ground,”
As more details into the outbreak will be unfolding it is better to warn our people that the Heat season has set in and we must be careful at this season so as to stay alive.
