A fire erupted on Wednesday at the Electrical Market located along Old Onitsha–Nnewi Road in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, razing five shops.
The blaze, however, was contained before it could spread further due to the swift intervention of a water tanker driver and some traders.
The incident happened at about 9:30 a.m., shortly after business activities resumed following Wednesday prayers. The outbreak triggered panic and a stampede as traders scrambled for assistance.
Attempts to contact the Nnewi Fire Service were initially unsuccessful, forcing those at the market to battle the flames on their own.
Mr. Kingsley Okafor, an eyewitness, said the fire started in one shop, and traders quickly mobilized a tanker lorry driver to douse the flames. “The driver responded immediately without negotiating a price, and together with the traders, they managed to put out the fire before the arrival of the State Fire Service,” he said.
The Anambra State Fire Service, led by Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, later confirmed the incident, noting that the fire affected five shops located in a one-storey building housing electrical appliances. No lives were lost, though goods worth millions of naira were destroyed.
“The cause of the fire is unknown, but an electrical spark from a power surge is suspected,” Chiketa added.
Market traders expressed gratitude that the quick response limited the damage and prevented the blaze from engulfing the entire market.