Onitsha market blast: 80 shops razed

 

Buhari condoles with victims

President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with families of those who died in the chemical market explosion in Onitsha, Anambra State.

In a condolence message by spokesman Garba Shehu yesterday in Abuja, the president said he shared the pain of loss with those who had investments in the market.

He also prayed that almighty God would grant the injured quick recovery.

Buhari urged all emergency, humanitarian and security agencies to provide all the necessary support for the victims.

He also urged security agencies to ensure thorough investigation into the incident. 

A director in the state fire service, Mr Martin Agbili, said that 80 shops were affected in the blast.

In a statement, Agbili said the incident took place at the Science and Lab Line of Ogbo Ogwu Market not the entire Ogbo Ogwu Market, Onitsha.

“It is really a terrible situation but the fire is under control now. The vibration from the explosions caused the collapse of some market buildings.

“A lot of safety measures have been taken to protect the entire market. There are casualties but we can’t ascertain the actual number of death and the injured,” he said in the statement.

Commissioner for Health Dr Afam Obidike has visited the victims of the fire in nearby Asaba, Delta State where they are being treated.

Obidike said three persons died, while eight sustained injuries.

According to him, “I was in Asaba with my medical personnel and the victims are responding to treatment.

“We shall continue to assist and visit those victims and provide medical services to them because it is an unfortunate incident.

“Preliminary findings revealed that some containers of chemicals exploded at the Government Line in the market and unfortunately many people got injured while some lost their lives,” he said.

The Commissioner said goods worth millions of naira were damaged in the inferno.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, many injuries and material losses recorded as a result of this unfortunate incident.”

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