By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Two persons have lost their lives and several others severely injured in a tanker inferno at Ogidi, Idemili North local government area of Anambra state.

Also, 14 buses and other properties worth millions of naira were burnt in the fire.

The incident occurred near the popular International Building Materials market close to the commercial town of Onitsha.

It was learned that the fire which started on Sunday evening, resulted from a fallen petrol tanker conveying fuel which fell into a drainage and sparked fire after spilling its content.

Residents close to the scene said the tanker was stationary when another articulated vehicle trailer rammed into it, following the loss of control.

One of the residents who didn’t want to mention his name said, “Several luxury buses parked around the area immediately went up in flames. Shops and buildings within the area were also not left out too. The fire was too much that it was difficult for fire service officers to battle.”

But the Chief Fire Service in the State, Engr. Martin Agbili who confirmed the incident disclosed that two persons died in the inferno while 14 buses and other vital properties were lost to the inferno.

He said the fire could have escalated to other parts of the area if not for the quick arrival of his men and assistance from other stations, including the one inside the market.

According to him, “Immediately we were alerted, I deployed my men who stormed the scene with five fire trucks to battle the fire which lasted for several hours.

Jos killings – Lalong vows to resist religious crisis in Plateau

“The buses affected in the incident where those within the area. We thank God we were able to contain the fire.

Police Public Relations Officer of the State command,  DSP Tochukwu Ikenga said, “our men have cordoned off the area presently, to avoid hoodlums taking advantage of the fire to loop