From Isaac Job, Uyo
An early morning fire outbreak has gutted a petrol station in Itam, near Uyo metropolis as a truck-load of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was caught in flames burning entire petrol station .
Eyewitness account stated that a thick smoke covered the area as fire service personnel battled the inferno for hours as the fire continues despite all measures and technicalities in fire fighting by the Fire Service to extinguish it.
However ,motorists plying Itam-ikot Ada Idem road along Ikot Ekpene Uyo road, said the fire started hours ago adding that it defied fire fighters who responded to the unfortunate incident as they were overwhelmed by magnitude of the fire.
‘What we are afraid of is that it result in a loss of life , the property and resources lost, might be regained but we don’t want any human life to be affected, ”
When Daily Sun visited the petrol station, the inferno had attracted a large crowd of people who milled around the area stretching many meters.
It was observed that only the fire fighters were the only people making frantic efforts to bring the fire under control.
A police vehicle was seen nearby , it was not clear whether police officers were invited following the incident.
It was not immediately clear what might have caused the outbreak but observers believe that it might not be unconnected with the harmattan as a result of the North Easte trade wind bringing cold and excessive dry weather.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer in Akwa Ibom DSP Timfon John said there was no casualty as the inferno was managed without any casualty.
” Yes the fire was managed without any casualty . No loss of life but property is seriously destroyed in the outbreak ” she said .