Fire has gutted a residential building at Fabikez Street, Omagba Phase 2, in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing a 95-year-old woman who was reportedly trapped for several hours.

The cause of the fire Is yet to be ascertained, but it was gathered that the inferno, which started in one of the apartments in the two-storey building at about 5:15 pm on Friday, spread to adjoining apartments before it was brought under control by officials of the Anambra State Fire Service after several hours.

It was learnt that the blaze, which reportedly caused damage running into several millions of naira, was eventually contained with the intervention of residents and passersby, while firefighters made frantic efforts to extinguish the fire.

The landlord of the building could not be reached for comments, but a resident, identified simply as Uche, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday, said it was a terrifying experience.

“It was a fearful moment at the compound last night when thick smoke accompanied by fire suddenly engulfed part of the two-storey building and began spreading rapidly.

“The incident was greeted with shouts and panic from tenants and nearby residents, who made frantic efforts to put out the fire before the arrival of firefighters.

“Unfortunately, an elderly woman who was trapped during the incident did not survive,” he said.

Confirming the incident in a press statement on Saturday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters and a truck were deployed to the scene after a distress call was received.

Chiketa said, “A fire outbreak occurred at No. 9 Fabikez Street, Omagba Phase 2, Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday.

“The Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call at about 5:08 pm and promptly mobilised its personnel to the scene.

“Firefighters battled the inferno and successfully brought it under control, preventing further spread to adjoining buildings.

“The fire service crew returned to the station at approximately 7:45 pm the same day. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations are ongoing.

“Sadly, a 95-year-old woman was trapped during the incident, and one casualty was recorded.

“The Anambra State Fire Service reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and advises residents to be fire-conscious, remain vigilant and promptly report fire emergencies for swift response.”

PUNCH Online reported on January 27 that an early-morning fire gutted a residential building at No. 32 Orumba Street, Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, destroying no fewer than 28 apartments and several shops.

It was gathered that the fire, which started in one of the apartments at about 2 am, quickly spread to adjoining apartments before engulfing the shops.

The blaze, which reportedly caused damage worth several millions of naira, was brought under control with the intervention of police officers from the Okpoko Police Division, who provided security while residents made frantic efforts to quench the fire.

No casualties were recorded in the incident, but it caused panic as residents struggled to salvage their belongings from the flames. (Saturday PUNCH)

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