Fire from power surge destroys duplex and bus in Anambra

A fire broke out in a residential building near Mopol Base Junction on Old Amansea-Awka Road, Anambra State. The fire burned a duplex that included a boys' quarters apartment, household furniture, and a shuttle bus parked in the compound.

The fire started in one of the apartments at around 6pm on Saturday. It quickly spread to other apartments and reached the shuttle bus.

The damage is estimated to be in several million naira. Thankfully, the state fire service arrived in time to control the blaze and stop it from spreading to nearby properties.

No lives were lost, but the fire caused panic as residents tried to save their belongings. Reports say the fire was caused by a power surge.

On Sunday, Chukwudi Chiketa, the Head of Media and Publicity at Anambra State Fire Service, confirmed the incident. He said the fire service responded quickly after they received a distress call around 6:30pm on Saturday.

Chiketa said, "The Anambra State Fire Service has successfully contained a fire outbreak at Mopol Base Junction, along Old Amansea-Awka Road, Anambra State."

He continued, "The emergency call was received at about 1830 hours on Saturday, September 5, 2026, reporting a fire outbreak at the location."

When they arrived, firefighters began aggressive operations to control and put out the fire. They worked hard to stop it from spreading to other properties.

Chiketa noted, "The fire involved a duplex building containing a boys’ quarters apartment, with a shuttle bus parked within the compound."

Thanks to the firefighters' quick action, they managed to put out the fire before it could spread any further.

"The incident affected the roofing materials, household furniture, the shuttle bus, sections of the walls, and other parts of the building," he said.

An initial investigation shows that the fire started because of a power surge. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no lives were lost.

After controlling the fire and making sure the area was safe, the fire service personnel secured the scene before leaving at around 7:30pm that same day.

Chiketa added that this incident shows how important it is to respond quickly to fire emergencies. He said, "Make that call in time, and get the swiftest response from the Fire Service."