Tragedy struck the timber market on Kenyatta Street, Uwani, Enugu, as no fewer than five shops were engulfed by flames on Tuesday evening, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.
According to NAN’s correspondent who visited the scene, the swift intervention of the state Fire Service prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the plywood market.
A firefighter, who chose to remain anonymous, disclosed, “The service received a distress call around 9.45 pm that the market was on fire and it immediately swung into action and quenched the fire before it spread to other parts of the market.”
While assessing the damage, the firefighter stated, “As you can see, only about five shops were affected by the fire in this big market. I cannot say much on this incident as I am not the Chief Fire Officer.”
Eyewitnesses recounted the alarming sight of flames consuming the market shortly after the nationwide industrial strike by labor unions was called off.
Joe, an eyewitness, expressed gratitude for the swift response of neighbors and the fire service. “I thank God and the fire service for the quick response, otherwise, it would have been disastrous,” he said.
