SAN FRANCISCO, December 13, (THEWILL) – The popular Cable Point market in Asaba, the Delta state capital, was up in flames on Monday as an electrical fault sparked a fire outbreak in the building with shops where food items were sold.
An eyewitness, Iyabo Mushin, said the fire which gutted the entrance to the building, started around 2am, adding that it was neighbouring house owners who informed the authorities about it. The Punch reports that officials of the fire service in Asaba, who spoke anonymously, said they arrived the scene after the fire had wreaked havoc on the market.
It was gathered that three persons who attempted to put out the fire sustained various degrees of injuries, as the fire was beyond what they could tackle.
Residents said they have been taken to a private hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
An elderly man who witnessed the fire, Mr. Ogbueshi Joseph Nwandu, blamed the fire on poor electrical connection, adding the victims were lucky to have escaped death.
Investigation revealed that in the past few weeks, residents of Cable Point Quarters have been apprehensive, following the continuous sparks of cables on the electric poles in the areas whenever there was power supply.
At the scene of the razed market building, traders who had just returned from their market trips cried profusely as they helpessly watched the charred remains of their goods.
One of the security men in the market, Nnamdi Paul, said the fire broke out after a prolonged sparks from the electrical cables’ switch boxes that were connected to the market building.
“We were just doing the rounds when, suddenly, we observed that fire was coming out of the switch boxes connecting the entire market building. We ran for help, but it was to no avail,” he said.
A trader, whose shop was razed, Alhaji Lade Lawal, expressed shock about the incident, saying he had just stocked his shop.
The state Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Chika Ossai, in his reaction, stated that the situation was unfortunate, promising that the government would find the cause of the fire and prevent a recurrence.
