A tragic incident occurred at the Bishop Crowther Memorial Seminary School in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, resulting in one fatality and extensive property damage due to a fire outbreak.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but reports indicate that it started around 11:30 pm on Saturday.
In a statement issued by the Media Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, the Chief of the state’s Fire Service, confirmed the incident. He mentioned that the deceased student’s remains had been transferred to a mortuary.
Chiketa elaborated that upon receiving an alert from the school, firefighters and a fire truck were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Fortunately, they managed to contain the fire.
The statement further revealed that the fire chief conducted an inspection visit to the school on Sunday. During this visit, the principal provided details of the fire’s impact, which included damage to a section of the school’s hostel, along with mattresses and other personal belongings belonging to the students.
The statement was entitled, ‘Update on the incident that occurred in Bishop Crowther Seminary, Awka’.
It read in part, “The Anambra State Fire Service Chief arrived at Bishop Crowther Memorial Seminary School, Awka at 10:55 a.m. on Sunday, for a firsthand inspection and assessment of the level of damages caused by the fire outbreak that occurred on Saturday night in the school.
“Recall that Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call at 11:30 pm, on Saturday, May 18, 2024, which reported a fire outbreak in one of the school’s hostels. Our firefighters and one of the fire trucks were deployed immediately to the scene of the incident, and the fire was contained.
“The cause of this fire is still unknown, but it’s confirmed that one of the students died at the scene and has been taken to a mortuary.
“The school Principal, Ven. Dr Emendu, who received the fire chief, narrated how the fire affected a part of the school’s hostel, damaged everything, including mattresses and other students’ belongings therein, and left one dead. According to the principal, there was no other casualty, and no injury was recorded.”
The fire chief extended his sympathies to the school’s management and all the students affected by the incident, encouraging them to find solace in their faith as they navigate this challenging time.
Additionally, he expressed condolences to the family of the deceased student, offering prayers for strength and comfort during their time of grief.
In his advisory message, Chiketa emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety and urged the public to remain vigilant and cautious in order to prevent similar accidents in the future.