The market is situated in the Coal Camp area, within the confines of the Enugu metropolis.
According to information gathered by Prime 9ja Online, the fire originated from one of the spare parts shops and subsequently spread to a nearby fast food outlet. An anonymous source revealed that an explosion from a gas cylinder within the fast food joint exacerbated the fire, causing it to engulf over 40 shops.
Mr Mike Nome, the President of the Spare Parts Market Association, confirmed that the fire incident resulted in a loss of millions of Naira. He shared that, “it started from one of the shops; when the security men noticed it, they struggled to open the shop but it was difficult because of burglary proof.
He further explained that as efforts to open the shop continued, the fire spread to the fast food joint where a gas cylinder exploded, complicating the situation. “We invited fire service and they responded to our call. Unfortunately, one of the fire fighters collapsed owing to the thick smoke from the fire.
Upon noticing the firefighter's collapse, his colleagues raised an alarm. The firefighter was immediately rushed to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, but sadly, he did not survive. “It’s quite a sad development.
The fire incident affected over 40 shops and resulted in the destruction of goods worth hundreds of millions. “We are appealing to the government and good spirited individuals to come to our rescue.”
Engr Okwudili Ohaa, the Director of Enugu State Fire Service, in his interaction with journalists, described the deceased officer as a dedicated staff. He expressed that his death was a significant loss to the Fire Service and the State.