By Izunna Okafor, Awka
A suya seller has been linked to the immediate cause of the recent fire outbreak that claimed life of a Keke driver and destroyed many shops at the scene of fuel tanker crash near the Headquarters of the Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Chairman of the Local Government, Hon. Chimezie Obi disclosed this on Thursday while recounting the tragedy when the Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District,Senator Emma Nwachukwu paid a courtesy call.
The Ekwusigo Local Government Mayor recounted that after the tanker crashed and spilled its content, the residents started scampering for safety and taking precautionary measures to avert any tragedy from resulting therefrom while they awaited the arrival of the Fire Service.
He, however, explained that, as the spilled fuel was gushing and speedily flowing downwards and other parts of the area, a Malam who was selling suya somewhere around the area, was busy blowing his suya fire, which, when the spilled fuel got near there, the fire immediately magneted it, and heavy outbreak sparked off, as flames and inferno engulfed everywhere while it escalated.
Hon. Obi also gave an overview of the losses recorded as a result of the inferno, including the tragic death of a tricyclist, the destruction of boutique, pharmacy, food items and provision shops in the area, causing major heartbreak for the owners and other traders who had already stocked their shops for the season.
Reacting after being briefed, Senator Nwachukwu, who was touched by the story and its unfavourable impacts on the victims, passionately addressed and consoled them for the various degrees of losses recorded.
Acknowledging how painful and devastating the outcome may be on them, he, however encouraged them not to lose hope, but to be thankful to God for preserving their lives, which makes it possible that can still bounce back and attain even greater heights in their businesses.
He also reminded them that such tanker explosion and fire outbreaks were usually much fatal and highly destructive, judging by records of previous places where tanker explosion happened. He consequently encouraged and advised them to see themselves as more fortunate for being alive; as according to him, “life is greater than wealth.”
The Senator also met and interacted with the son of the Keke driver who lost his life during the fire outbreak, commiserated with him, and also assured to visit the family of the deceased to see and commiserate with the wife and other relatives, even as the son also revealed that plans are already on motion for his father’s burial.
Senator Nwachukwu, while reassuring his solidarity and pledging full support to the victims, announced that he had already received the list of the victims and the of records of their losses the Local Government Chairman. He also assured to use same to engage the relevant authorities and government agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is responsible for such incidents, for intervention and support, to help cushion the effects of the tragedy on them.
Meanwhile, on the immediate, he also made a personal donation to the victims, while promising further actions towards ameliorating their plights.
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