Kubwa market gutted by fire
By Our Reporter
At least five people reportedly died when fire gutted the Kubwa market, Abuja, the fire which was as a result of explosion from a kerosene-laden tank culminated to the death of five persons,while several other persons sustained varying degree of injuries.
The incident happened at popular Kubwa Village Market in Abuja on Friday night. at the junction leading to the L.E.A Primary School, Jaji Street, and few metres away from St Luke Catholic Church.
Amidst wailings from sympatisers, bodies of the victims were evacuated by the combined team of officers of the Nigerian Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire Service, among others.
The inferno, which gutted the adjoining shops in the area, was extinguished by the Fire Service men.
A witness, Mr Chima Nnamdi, told NAN that the sad event occurred at about 7:15pm.
Nnamdi said he had, so far, counted at least five bodies, some of which were burnt beyond recognition.
He said several other people, who sustained injuries, had been taken to Kubwa General Hospital.
He said that the kerosene might be an adulterated product.
Another witness, who identified herself as Jennifer, said the kerosene seller and her two children also died in the fire incident.
The Kubwa Police Area Commander, ACP Mohammed Ndagi Shebe, who confirmed the incident, debunked the rumour that it was a bomb explosion.
“You can see it yourself,” he said as he flashed a torchlight to the kerosene tank which caused the explosion.
According to him, it was kerosene surface tank that exploded.
“That is what brought the inferno,” he added.
He said he could not confirm if the kerosene was an adulterated one.
The senior police officer said four dead bodies had so far been evacuated from the scene.
The Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, DSP Josephine Adeh, however, told NAN in a telephone chat that she was yet to be briefed about the incident.
