A massive fire Saturday razed Master’s Energy petrol station on Azikiwe Road/Aba Road, Umuahia, and destroyed property worth millions of naira.

The fire which started by 9:00 a.m. and was put out at about 1:00 p.m., was said to have been ignited when a tanker laden with diesel exploded and burst into flames, while waiting to discharge its content.

A combined team of fire fighters from the Umuahia and Aba Fire Service stations had hectic period trying to bring the fire under control.

Although no life was lost, the incident caused serious panic among the Umuahia residents, while motorists and other road users were diverted to other routes.

Anthony Agbazuere, the Chief of Staff to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, and other top government functioneries were on ground to have a first-hand information about the incident.

Security operatives from the Nigeria Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were deployed to provide security and help control the crowd at the scene.

The acting director, Abia State Fire Service, Arua Nnanna, who was also at the scene told journalists that the truck caught fire at the service station, while waiting to discharge the product.

He expressed happiness that they were able to contain the fire from spreading to near-by buildings and facilities.

The facility is owed by Uche Ogah, Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, and a two-time governorship candidate in 2015 and 2019 in Abia for the ruling All Progressives Congress party. 
(NAN)