One person sustained serious injuries even as and several storage tanks and other items were destroyed when a diesel storage site caught fire at Ndieze Nwankwo, along Edibros Road, Uruagu, Nnewi, in the Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident, which caused panic among residents of the area, particularly those living near the scene, was suspected to be a case of arson. It occurred late Sunday.
Although no death was recorded, an eyewitness said the injured person was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention.
The eyewitness narrated that the fire raged for several minutes before operatives of the state fire service arrived and brought it under control.
“The fire started suddenly with very thick smoke that engulfed the whole vicinity. It burnt several storage tanks containing diesel 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.
“One person was badly burnt and was immediately rushed to the hospital. It was suspected to be a case of arson,” the eyewitness narrated.
Confirming the sad incident on Monday, Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, in a statement, said that firefighters were deployed immediately after receiving a distress call at about 5:45 pm on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
“The Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak at a diesel storage site in Ndieze Nwankwo, along Edibros Road, Uruagu, Nnewi, Anambra State. The distress call was received at approximately 1745 hours on Sunday, 1st November, 2026, following a fire outbreak involving storage tanks containing diesel at the location”, he said.
“Firefighters immediately mobilised to the scene and worked diligently to contain the fire, preventing further spread. Some of the storage tanks were, however, affected by the fire. The incident was suspected to be a case of arson, as it was alleged that an unidentified individual deliberately set the facility on fire. The actual cause of the fire remains subject to investigation.
“Unfortunately, one victim was affected by the fire and was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention. Firefighters concluded their operations and departed the scene at 2058 hours on the same day.”
The Anambra State Fire Service urged members of the public to exercise caution in their daily activities, particularly when handling and storing petroleum products.
“The public is also advised to report fire emergencies promptly by contacting the Fire Service to ensure a timely response and minimise loss of lives and property,” the statement.
