A fire engulfed the Okeb Filling Station located along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway by the Amawbia Flyover near Awka, Anambra State, on Friday.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
The blaze damaged sections of the station’s administrative block, destroyed several machines, and consumed at least three vehicles along with other property.
Advertisement
READ MORE: Fire Engulfs Residential Building In Oyo
Firefighters arrived promptly and battled the flames for several hours, successfully preventing the fire from spreading further. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
When PUNCH visited the scene, residents and shop owners around the petrol station were seen attempting to salvage their belongings to minimize losses. The incident also led to heavy traffic congestion, with security personnel struggling to manage the gridlock.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Chidi, said, “The fire suddenly started around 6.35pm from a corner of the station, before escalating into other areas. It burnt for several hours before the intervention of the firefighters. The incident created panic around the vicinity, especially for residents and shop owners nearby as everybody was on red alert and also assisting the firefighters to ensure the situation was under control.”
The Anambra State Fire Service, through its Media and Publicity Unit led by State Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident. Chiketa explained that two firefighting crews with two trucks were deployed after a distress call.
He said, “The Anambra State Fire Service on Friday, September 5, 2025 successfully extinguished a fire outbreak at Okeb Filling Station, Amawbia, located along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway by the Amawbia Flyover. Upon receiving a distress call, the Fire Service immediately deployed two firefighting trucks and other essential equipment to the scene. The gallant firefighters arrived swiftly and, after several coordinated efforts, contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading to nearby structures.”
