Three children narrowly escaped death when fire razed a 4-bedroom apartment
in Ebe, Umuokpu Awka in Awka South local government area of Anambra state.
The kids, who were fast asleep when the incident occurred, were rescued by
a 17-year old girl, Chinenye Igwedimma, said to be a cousin to the family.
The building located at No. 1 Ezingwu Street belonging to the family of
staff of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Awka, Blessing Uchendu, reportedly
went up in flames while the occupants were away.
The property worth millions of naira, including academic certificates, were
completely razed by the fire which engulfed the entire building.
Residents and sympathisers said the fire was caused by electrical
malfunction as it started shortly after electricity was restored.
Narrating her ordeal, the rescuer, Igwedimma, said she had returned to the
house to perform some chores when she met the roof of the building in flames.
She said: “My first action was to pull out three kids who were sleeping in
the already burning house.
On her part, Blessing Uchendu, said she was at the ABS Corporate
Headquarters when she got a call that the house was on flames.
The eldest daughter of the family, Uchenna Mmuo, said she was busy at her
shop when she was alerted.
She appealed to government and spirited individuals to assist the family.
Deputy President General, Umuokpu Town Union, Chika Nwuzor and Principal
Fire Superintendent of the State Fire Service, Emmanuel Nze, said it was
difficult to trace the cause of the fire as no adult was at home when it began.
