A fire erupted on Saturday morning at a petrol station in Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, consuming a truckload of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Firefighters from the state fire service, with the help of police personnel, battled the flames for several hours before managing to bring the blaze under control.
Motorists traveling along the Itam-Ikot Ada Idem road, which links Ikot Ekpene to Uyo, reported that the fire started several hours earlier. Witnesses noted that the intensity of the fire initially seemed to overwhelm the responders.
One motorist at the scene expressed concern, saying, “I’m only worried about the possibility of loss of lives. Property and resources can be replaced, but we don’t want anyone to be harmed.”
At the time of reporting, the cause of the fire had not yet been identified. However, the police confirmed that no casualties were reported.
Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, told Sunday Vanguard, “When the fire broke out, the Police were immediately contacted. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire. From the information I have, no casualties have been recorded.”
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.