TWO INJURED AS FIRE RAVAGES GAS PLANT IN ANAMBRA

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Two persons sustained severe burns while property was destroyed following a fire outbreak at Amingo Gas Plant in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The fire, which occurred late on Sunday, reportedly started after an ignition from the engine of a gas tanker affected part of the facility.

Although no deaths were recorded, an eyewitness said the injured persons were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The witness added that the fire raged for several minutes before operatives of the Anambra State Fire Service arrived and brought it under control.

“The fire started suddenly at about 7:30 pm on Sunday with very thick smoke that engulfed the whole premises. It burnt several gas tanks at the location. The fire came with some explosions.

“It burnt for several minutes before the arrival of the firefighters, who battled to extinguish it and prevented it from spreading further.

“Two persons were badly burnt and were immediately rushed to the hospital. We later learnt that the inferno was triggered by an ignition from the engine of a gas tanker,” the eyewitness said.

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 firefighters were deployed immediately after receiving a distress call.

Chiketa said the service received the call at about 7:37 p.m. on Sunday.

“The Anambra State Fire Service responded to a fire outbreak at Amingo Gas Plant, along Nkwo-to-Nkwo Road, Oraifite, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“The distress call was received at 1937 hours. Firefighting operations were successfully carried out, and the team withdrew from the scene at 2004 hours of the same day.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the inferno was triggered by an ignition from the engine of a gas tanker, resulting in a fire outbreak that affected a section of the gas plant.

“Unfortunately, two staff members of the facility sustained injuries and were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention,” he said.

Chiketa urged gas plant operators, tanker drivers and other stakeholders in the petroleum and gas sector to strictly observe safety procedures.

He advised operators to ensure proper maintenance of vehicles and equipment and avoid activities that could trigger fires around gas facilities.

“Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Prevention is better than firefighting,” he added.