A fire outbreak occured early this morning, destroying a Fonex Petrol Station in Itam, ItuLocal Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, and consuming a truckload of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). It was said that firemen from the state fire department, aided by police officers, arrived on the site and battled the blaze for hours before it was brought under control.
Motorists on the Itam-Ikot Ada Idem route, which connects Ikot Ekpene and Uyo, reported that the fire started a few hours ago. Witnesses reported that the firefighters were initially overwhelmed by the ferocity of the flames.
“My only fear is that the fire will claim lives. Property and resources can be recovered, but we don’t want any human lives to be jeopardised,” a motorist at the site stated.
The reason of the fire outbreak has yet to be determined at the time this report was filed. However, the police stated that no casualties were reported.
Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer, told Sunday Vanguard over the phone: “When the fire erupted, the police were contacted. Right now, an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. According to the information recorded, no casualties were documented.