In the early hours of Saturday, a devastating fire broke out at the Old Automobiles Spare Parts Market in Awada, Anambra State, around 1:30 AM.
The blaze, which remains under investigation, destroyed numerous shops and properties valued at millions of naira. Fortunately, no lives were lost; however, one trader collapsed due to the incident and was hospitalized for treatment.
The police and fire service responded quickly to the distress call, with officers cordoning off the area to prevent looting.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly, engulfing shops before firefighters could contain it.
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but the market’s chairman indicated that previous warnings about safety measures had been ignored, particularly regarding structures built under high tension wires.
Traders have expressed despair over their losses and are appealing for government assistance to recover from this calamity.
This incident adds to a troubling history of fire outbreaks in Anambra markets, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in commercial areas.