Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, has said that he visited the victims of the chemical market fire explosion in Onitsha Head Bridge where they are currently receiving treatment in Asaba, Delta State.
Obidike stated this while addressing newsmen in Onitsha on Wednesday.
He said three persons died, while eight others sustained injuries from the fire incident.
According to him, “I was in Asaba with my medical personnel and we were there and the victims are responding to treatment and the state government is taking pains to take care of them.
“We shall continue to assist and visit those victims and provide medical services to them because it is an unfortunate incident.
“Preliminary findings revealed that some containers of chemicals exploded at the government line in the market and unfortunately many people got injured while some lost their lives,” he said.
The Commissioner said goods worth millions of naira were damaged in the inferno.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives, many injuries and material losses recorded as a result of this unfortunate incident.”
The commissioner explained that his visits to Delta and White Specialist Hospitals were to ensure that those who sustained various degrees of injuries were receiving adequate medical attention.
“hen I interacted with one of the doctors, he assured me that they will treat them well and of course, I will be visiting often.”
On his part, Mr Peter Okala, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, said without the intervention of the fire service team that worked late into the night, the inferno would have extended to more sections of the market. (NAN)
