Six family members have reportedly lost their lives to a fire incident in Ngbede community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which occurred in the house of a 70-year-old man over the weekend, claimed six lives, including that of his children and grandchildren.
The 70-year-old survivor, Mr Fidelis Ezinne, told journalists that what he could remember about the incident, which happened at about 6:30 pm, was the sound from a generator set in one of the rooms in the house.
He explained that he was sitting outside before seeing his freezer explode, injuring people around.
“This was about 6:30 pm to 7 pm. About six people have died. My son, a woman, the child and the daughter of my wife and one other person,” HE SAID.
An eyewitness named Eric, who spoke to Daily Sun, said the incident might have been caused by an electrical fault where a refrigerator was connected to a stabilizer.
“I was outside the house just along the road when we heard people screaming fire, fire.
“Before we got there, everything has happened. We rushed those affected to the hospital, but they didn’t make it.”
The Commander of a vigilante group in the area, OSPAC, Godknows Nkem, while confirming the incident described it as unfortunate.
He warned people to stay vigilant and mindful of flammable materials, which he said could easily be triggered by the weather.
According to him, “What happened is very regrettable at this festive period. The loss of six able men and women is unfortunate.
“I want to use this medium to advise all and sundry to be mindful of all flammable materials, especially this festive period.
“Life is one thing that all of us must guide well. This is the dry sea; people should be mindful of what they use, what they keep in their houses, especially flammable materials to avoid disaster.”
