A huge fire from an explosion at Saclux Paints Industry in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, yesterday destroyed a missionary school building in the neighbourhood.
The owner of the school, Mr. Emeka Okereke, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a tanker, allegedly bearing ‘black oil’ exploded inside the company’s premises around 1:00 pm.
He said that the fire started with an explosion shortly after they ended the Sunday service at the school.“We ended the Sunday service around 12:15 pm and I was trying to lock up the gate, when I heard a heavy explosion, accompanied with billows of heavy smoke and fire moving up the sky.
“The incident caused panic and stampede as everyone of us scampered into different areas, including the nearby bush, for safety,” he said.He said that the fire later spread into the school building, which doubles as his family residence, when oil from the exploded tank spilled into the compound.
Explosion destroys school in Umuahia
