A devastating fire outbreak has claimed the life of a 95-year-old woman and caused extensive property damage after engulfing a residential building in Onitsha, Anambra State. The incident occurred at Fabikez Street, Omagba Phase 2, in Onitsha North Local Government Area, throwing residents of the area into panic and renewing concerns about fire safety in densely populated neighbourhoods.
The fire reportedly broke out on Friday evening at about 5:15 pm in one of the apartments of a two-storey residential building. Witnesses said the blaze spread rapidly to adjoining apartments, producing thick smoke that filled the compound and surrounding areas. Despite frantic efforts by residents and passersby to contain the situation, the fire continued to rage for several hours before it was eventually brought under control.
During the incident, the elderly woman, said to be around 95 years old, was trapped inside the building. She was reportedly unable to escape as the fire intensified. Sadly, she did not survive, marking the only casualty recorded in the incident.
Although the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, sources said investigations are ongoing to establish what triggered the outbreak. Preliminary accounts suggest the inferno started in a single apartment before spreading quickly due to the close layout of the building and the presence of flammable materials.
Residents described the incident as terrifying. A tenant in the compound, identified simply as Uche, said the sudden outbreak caused widespread panic as people scrambled to save their lives and belongings.
“It was a fearful moment when smoke and fire suddenly took over part of the building and spread rapidly,” he said. “There were shouts and confusion everywhere. People tried their best to put out the fire before firefighters arrived, but unfortunately, the elderly woman who was trapped could not be saved.”
Firefighters from the Anambra State Fire Service were eventually deployed to the scene after a distress call was received. According to the service, a fire truck and personnel were mobilised promptly to battle the blaze.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Saturday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service said the distress call was received at about 5:08 pm. Firefighters arrived at the location shortly after and worked to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring buildings.
“The fire was successfully brought under control, and further damage to adjoining structures was prevented,” the statement said. The fire service added that its crew returned to the station at approximately 7:45 pm after ensuring the area was safe.
The fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, expressed condolences over the loss of life and confirmed that one fatality was recorded during the incident. He noted that the cause of the fire remains unknown and that investigations are ongoing to determine its origin.
The blaze reportedly caused damage estimated at several millions of naira, leaving parts of the building severely affected. The landlord of the property could not be reached for comment as of the time of reporting.
The incident comes amid a series of recent fire outbreaks in Anambra State. Just days earlier, an early-morning fire gutted a residential building at No. 32 Orumba Street, Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area. That incident destroyed at least 28 apartments and several shops after the fire broke out around 2 am and spread rapidly.
Although no lives were lost in the Okpoko fire, residents were thrown into panic as they rushed to salvage what they could. The blaze was eventually brought under control with the assistance of residents and police officers from the Okpoko Police Division, who provided security at the scene.
In light of the recurring incidents, the Anambra State Fire Service has again urged residents to be fire-conscious, remain vigilant, and promptly report emergencies to enable swift response. The service reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property while calling for improved safety awareness across residential communities.
Source: Africa Publicity
