A late-night fire on Friday razed the Okeb Filling Station along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway by the Amawbia Flyover, near Awka, Anambra State.
The blaze, whose cause has yet to be determined, destroyed parts of the station’s administrative block, machines, and no fewer than three vehicles.
Firefighters arrived promptly and battled the flames for several hours, eventually extinguishing the fire and preventing it from spreading to nearby structures. No casualties were reported.
When our correspondent visited the scene, residents and shop owners in the area were seen salvaging their belongings to avert further damage.
The incident also caused heavy traffic on the busy expressway, as security personnel struggled to control movement.
An eyewitness, Chidi, recounted: “The fire suddenly started around 6:35 p.m. from a corner of the station before spreading to other sections. It burned for hours before firefighters were able to subdue it. The panic was intense, and everyone nearby was on red alert, helping to contain the situation.”
The Anambra State Fire Service, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“The Anambra State Fire Service on Friday, September 5, 2025, successfully extinguished a fire outbreak at Okeb Filling Station, Amawbia.
Upon receiving a distress call, two firefighting trucks and essential equipment were deployed, and the blaze was contained after coordinated efforts,” the statement read.
