A fire incident in Delta State resulted in the destruction of two buildings following an equipment malfunction in the fire truck dispatched to the scene. The fire broke out early morning at Ope Junction along Lower Erejuwa Road in Warri, ravaging properties belonging to both residents and traders.
Residents reported that firefighters arrived promptly but were unable to effectively combat the blaze because the water-pumping mechanism of the fire truck developed a fault. This mechanical failure severely hampered firefighting efforts, allowing the fire to spread unchecked. A mechanic was subsequently called in to fix the truck's faulty equipment.
The Head of the Delta State Fire Station confirmed the equipment failure and noted that the incident hindered their ability to control the flames quickly. The fire caused substantial losses to property and goods, with some reports also citing looting of affected traders during the chaos.
The fire outbreak is believed to have started shortly after power was restored in the area following a blackout, possibly originating from an electrical issue. This incident has highlighted concerns about the preparedness and equipment status of local emergency services.
Efforts are underway to support victims and to review fire service infrastructure and maintenance protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The Delta State Government has been urged to equip fire services adequately to ensure rapid and effective responses to emergencies.