Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The recent fire disaster on the First Niger Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State, has generated a reaction from the State Government as videos continue to trend on different online news platforms about the incident.
The First Niger Bridge is a vital link connecting the South-East and other regions of Nigeria. It was built long ago even before Nigeria’s independence.
Viral reports had it that a fire broke out Tuesday night on the bridge after careless driving by a fuel tanker driver, causing a massive explosion that rocked the bridge and devoured its structure.
It was reported that the ensuing chaos resulted in severe transportation disruptions and heightened safety concerns, prompting locals to evacuate the area.
Reacting in a recorded video obtained by Ikengaonline, Anambra State Chief Fire Officer, Engineer Martin Agbili, urged the public to disregard the social media reports of the incident, noting that it was a mere fire resulting from a head-on collision of two vehicles.
“A lot of calls have come to me concerning the fire on the bridge. The First Niger Bridge was never on fire. It was a fire that resulted from a head-on collision of two vehicles.
“The incident happened around 8:30 pm on Tuesday but around 9 pm, the fire was extinguished.”
Engr Agbili who said he was making the video from the comfort of his home, said the videos trending on online platforms are misinforming the public that Niger Bridge was on fire.
He urged people to beware of spreading misleading information so as not to cause unnecessary fear to the public.
