From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
At least four people were reported dead and many injured following an explosion that rocked the chemical dealers section of Ogbogwu International Market, Bridge Head, Onitsha, Anambra State, yesterday.
Traders in the market said a loud bang was heard at about 12.24pm in one of the stalls upstairs where chemicals were stored, leading to an explosion and fire that engulfed the building.
The impact of the blast pulled down the storey building while several shops and goods within the vicinity were also destroyed even as commotion ensued in the market, leading to stampede as the traders ran for their lives. Some, who escaped from the inferno, rushed home immediately, forcing business activities to a halt, while others joined in rescue efforts as the police and men of the Fire Service were contacted.
When the reporter visited the market, rescue efforts were ongoing though the congested nature of the shops in the market made it difficult for firefighters to access the most affected areas.
Caretaker Committee Chairman of the market, Ndubisi Chukwuneta, described the situation as a very sad development. He said he could not say for sure what might have caused the explosion or give an accurate account of the number of casualties and the extent of damages until rescue efforts are completed.
Transition Chairman of Onitsha South local government area, Mr Emeka Orji, said on getting wind of the incident, he stormed the market with members of his staff and, also, helped facilitate the contact of Anambra State Fire Service, led by Martin Agbili, who deplored officers and men of the department from Okpoko in Ogbaru local government area, and that of Asaba in Delta State to the market. He said some of those injured have been rushed to the nearest hospital facilities around the area.
Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, Ikenga Tochi, when contacted confirmed the incident and said that a Deputy Commissioner of Police, together with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Fegge Division, Rabiu Garba, were already at the scene of the incident, while he would brief the press later after getting further details.