By Our correspondent
Fire has gutted the Okeb Filling Station, located along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway by the Amawbia Flyover, near Awka, Anambra State.
The cause of the fire could not be immediately ascertained, but it was gathered that the incident occurred late on Friday.
The fire destroyed some parts of the station’s administrative block and some machines.
No fewer than three vehicles and other items were also destroyed by the fire.
Although firefighters arrived at the scene promptly and battled to control and extinguish the fire after several hours, they also prevented it from escalating further, with no fatalities reported.
When our correspondent visited the scene, he observed that residents and shop owners around the petrol station were trying to salvage their belongings to avoid any damage from the fire.
The incident caused a gridlock on the busy road, while a rescue team of some security personnel had a tough time controlling traffic.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Chidi, said, “The fire suddenly started around 6.35pm from a corner of the station, before escalating into other areas. It burnt for several hours before the intervention of the firefighters.
“The incident created panic around the vicinity, especially for residents and shop owners nearby as everybody was on red alert and also assisting the firefighters to ensure the situation was under control.”
The Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the development in a statement.
Chiketa said two crews of firefighters and two firefighting trucks were deployed to the scene after a distress call was received by the fire service.
“The Anambra State Fire Service on Friday, September 5, 2025 successfully extinguished a fire outbreak at Okeb Filling Station, Amawbia, located along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway by the Amawbia Flyover.
“Upon receiving a distress call, the Fire Service immediately deployed two firefighting trucks and other essential equipment to the scene.
“The gallant firefighters arrived swiftly and, after several coordinated efforts, contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures,” the state fire service added.
