By Sarah Ezeh
A fire outbreak has destroyed several diesel storage tanks and other property at a facility in Uruagu, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving one person with severe burns.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, November 1, 2026, triggering panic among residents and businesses in the vicinity as thick smoke and explosions were reportedly heard from the facility.
An eyewitness said the fire engulfed several diesel storage tanks and raged for several minutes before firefighters arrived.
The injured person was rushed to a hospital for medical attention. No death was recorded.
Residents reportedly suspected arson, alleging that an unidentified individual deliberately set the facility ablaze.
However, the actual cause of the incident remains unknown and is subject to investigation.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said the service received a distress call at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Sunday and immediately deployed firefighters to the scene.
Chiketa said the firefighters worked to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to surrounding properties, although some of the storage tanks were affected.
He said the incident was suspected to be arson following allegations that an unidentified person deliberately set the facility on fire, adding that investigations would establish the actual cause.
According to him, the injured victim was immediately evacuated to a hospital for treatment, while firefighting operations were successfully concluded at 8:58 p.m. on the same day.
The Anambra State Fire Service advised residents and operators of petroleum storage facilities to exercise caution when handling and storing combustible products, stressing the importance of observing appropriate fire safety measures.
The service also urged members of the public to report fire emergencies promptly to enable firefighters to respond swiftly and minimise the loss of lives and property.
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