95-YEAR-OLD WOMAN DIES AS FIRE GUTS RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN ONITSHA NORTH LGA, ANAMBRA. (PHOTO).

 95-year-old woman dies as fire guts residential building in Onitsha North LGA, Anambra

Fire has gutted a residential building at Fabikez Street, Omagba Phase 2, in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, killing a 95-year-old woman who was reportedly trapped for several hours.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but it was gathered that the inferno, which started in one of the apartments in the two-storey building at about 5:15 pm on Friday, spread to adjoining apartments before it was brought under control by officials of the Anambra State Fire Service after several hours.

It was learnt that the blaze, which reportedly caused damage running into several millions of naira, was eventually contained with the intervention of residents and passersby, while firefighters made frantic efforts to extinguish the fire.

The landlord of the building could not be reached for comments, but a resident, identified simply as Uche, who spoke to our correspondent on Saturday, said it was a terrifying experience.

Confirming the incident in a press statement on Saturday, the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, led by the state fire chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, said firefighters and a truck were deployed to the scene after a distress call was received.

The Anambra State Fire Service reiterates its commitment to the protection of lives and property and advises residents to be fire-conscious, remain vigilant and promptly report fire emergencies for swift response.