Two Pump Attensants Escape Death as Fire Engulfs Gas Plant in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Two workers narrowly escaped death after a fire outbreak ravaged part of Amingo Gas Plant in Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving them with burn injuries.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 7:20 p.m. along Nkwo-to-Nkwo Road, following an ignition from the engine of a gas tanker, which triggered a fire that affected a section of the facility.

The two victims, identified as staff members of the gas plant, sustained burn injuries and were immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Fire Chief, Engr. Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters responded promptly to the distress call and successfully brought the fire under control.

According to Chiketa, the distress call was received at 7:37 p.m., with preliminary findings indicating that the fire originated from an ignition involving the engine of a gas tanker.

He said, “The distress call was received at 1937 hours. Preliminary reports indicate that the inferno was triggered by an ignition from the engine of a gas tanker, resulting in a fire outbreak that affected a section of the gas plant.

“Unfortunately, two staff members of the facility sustained injuries and were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention.”

The fire chief disclosed that firefighting operations were successfully completed, with the response team withdrawing from the scene at 8:04 p.m. the same day.

He used the incident to caution operators of gas plants, tanker drivers and other stakeholders in the petroleum and gas industry against neglecting established safety procedures.

Chiketa also stressed the need for regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment, warning against activities capable of triggering fire outbreaks around gas storage and distribution facilities.

Emphasising the importance of preventive measures, he said: “Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Prevention is better than firefighting.”

The incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with poor safety practices around gas facilities and the need for strict compliance with fire prevention standards to protect lives and property.

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