By Modupe Gbadeyanka
An inferno has destroyed the depot of the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Wednesday night.
The incident precisely occurred at the company’s office located on Abak Road in Uyo.
It was reported that the fire started from where the pallets were packed and engulfed the entire packing zone.
“The fire started from where the pallets are packed and the fire service was quickly alerted to control the spread to other buildings.
“In fact, it was so serious; if not for the quick intervention of the fire-fighters it would have consumed the entire depot,” an eyewitness identified as Mr Ekong Charles told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.
Five trucks of fire-fighting vehicles were reportedly brought to put out the fire, which gutted goods worth millions of Naira.
“Fire does not just happen, it is caused by carelessness and fake electrical installations in our buildings.
“We have organised seminars for people in the markets and advised them to stop storing fuel in their houses.
“We are committed to ensuring that our department response to fire calls within record time so that minimal loss is recorded,” the Chief Fire Officer in Akwa Ibom, Mr Ndarake Ukpe, told NAN.
Fortunately, no life was lost to the inferno.