One Injured as Fire Destroys Diesel Storage Tanks in Anambra, Arson Suspected

A fire outbreak at a diesel storage facility in Nnewi, Anambra State, has left one person severely burnt and destroyed several storage tanks and other property, raising concerns among residents over the safety of petroleum storage sites.

The incident occurred late on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Ndieze Nwankwo, along Edibros Road, Uruagu, in the Nnewi North Local Government Area.

Although no death was recorded, an eyewitness said the fire spread rapidly, producing thick smoke and triggering explosions that caused panic in the surrounding neighbourhood. The injured victim was reportedly rushed to a hospital for immediate medical attention.

The eyewitness explained that the fire continued for several minutes before firefighters arrived at the scene. According to the account, the emergency responders eventually brought the blaze under control and prevented it from spreading to other areas.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, said the agency received a distress call at approximately 5:45 pm on Sunday.

Chiketa said firefighters were immediately deployed to the facility and successfully contained the fire, although several storage tanks were affected. He added that emergency operations ended at 8:58 pm on the same day.

The fire service said the incident was suspected to be arson following allegations that an unidentified individual deliberately set the facility ablaze. However, it stressed that the actual cause of the outbreak had yet to be established and remained under investigation.

The agency urged residents to exercise caution when handling and storing petroleum products, while advising members of the public to report fire emergencies promptly to ensure faster responses and reduce the risk of casualties and property damage.