A fire outbreak has destroyed goods and other property reportedly worth millions of naira at a section of the Creek Road Market relocated to Number Three Field in Old Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State.
The incident occurred at the market section currently being used by traders while redevelopment work continues at the main Creek Road Market.
The fire reportedly engulfed the affected portion of the market, destroying and damaging several shops and goods belonging to traders.
Following the outbreak, affected traders and eyewitnesses were seen at the scene assessing the extent of the destruction and taking stock of their losses.
Several businesses were reportedly affected, with traders left to determine the quantity and value of merchandise and other belongings destroyed or damaged in the fire.
However, no official figure has been released on the total value of the losses. The reported millions of naira in damages are based on preliminary assessments by affected traders, while a comprehensive valuation is yet to be made public.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Traders and eyewitnesses at the scene could not immediately establish what triggered the outbreak, and no official explanation had been provided as of the time of filing this report.
There were no confirmed reports of fatalities at the time the incident was reported. However, the full extent of the impact, including any possible injuries, is expected to become clearer as authorities and emergency responders complete their assessment of the scene.
The affected traders are operating from Number Three Field following the relocation associated with the redevelopment of Creek Road Market.
The broader market project is currently undergoing reconstruction, with the Rivers State Government previously announcing plans for a modern market facility. The redevelopment has seen traders temporarily relocated to designated areas while construction work continues on the permanent market.
As traders continue to assess their losses, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. An official assessment by the relevant emergency and government authorities is expected to establish the number of shops affected, the estimated value of goods destroyed and whether any injuries were recorded.
For now, the fire has left several traders counting their losses, while the cause of the outbreak and the final value of the damage remain to be established.
