Soprom hotel Onitsha on fire

Soprom hotel Onitsha on fire

By Chinwe Nwacha, Onitsha

Early morning fire that started about 3.30 am, Monday, gutted a multi millon naira Soprom hotel located at '3-3', Onitsha suburb, Anambra State, but no life was lost in the inferno reportedly caused by power surge.

Properties estimated into millions of naira were allegedly destroyed beyond recognition despite frantic efforts made by neighbours, security operatives and fire service men that got to the scene early.

A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity told our Reporter that, "We saw flames about 3.30 am this early morning coming from Soprom hotel that is opposite the military check point. We rushed to the scene and put up efforts to quench the fire.

"We succeeded with the help of security men and fire service people and if not for our early intervention the entire hotel would have been touched. It was just a section that was touched, I think the building housing the hall.

"Nobody died as guests rushed out early on hearing of the fire. This is the biggest hotel in this area. We thank God that only a section was touched because of efforts made by sympathizers," he stated.

The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, (DSP), who confirmed the incident, said that the fire started around 4:30 a.m and they immediately deployed their men to the scene to maintain law order.

According to him, "We got the information at about 4:30 a.m and quickly deployed our men to the scene and cordon off the area.

"We don't want the situation where people take advantage of the fire incident to made away properties that are not their own.

"The situation is under control, we are happy that no life was lost, our men are still there, the fire service are also there", he said.

The Director/Fire Chief, Anambra Fire Service, Mr Martin Agbili, did not pick up his phone nor replied to the text message sent to him when called to react to the inferno.