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Five dead as fire razes Abuja market, police commence investigation
Modupe Shodeinde
At least, five persons have reportedly died from a late night fire that gutted a section of the popular Kubwa ultra-modern market in Abuja.
Though the identities of the deceased were not immediately known when filing this report, others were said to have sustained serious injuries.
While the actual cause of the fire which started a few minutes before 8pm could not be immediately ascertained, traders said it was as a result of an explosion from adulterated kerosene.
Also, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has commenced investigations into the incident.
A statement by DSP Adeh Josephine, Public Relations Officer said, ‘Preliminary investigations revealed that two shops in the market were affected in the fire incident following a kerosene surface tank explosion.
“Unfortunately, the remains of five (5) persons already burnt beyond recognition were evacuated from the scene by the rescue team and taken to the hospital where they were confirm dead.
“Ten (10) others who were seriously injured were immediately taken to the hospital and currently receiving medical attention.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Babaji Sunday, who described the incident as unfortunate, has ordered a discrete investigation into the incident.
“The CP noted that operatives from the Forensic section of the Command Criminal Investigations Department, have also been deployed to the scene for forensic analysis to unravel the cause of the incident and more importantly provide recommendations to prevent a reoccurrence of such incident.
“The CP commiserated with the families of the victims.
“He noted that the inferno is under control and commended the people who were at the scene at the time for supporting in the rescue operation and general control of the fire.”
