A fire incident on Saturday morning caused panic at the popular SPAR shopping outlet in Calabar, Cross River State.
The blaze, which reportedly started inside the shopping complex, sent thick smoke billowing across parts of the city, while flames were visible from Barracks Road, about 100 yards from the scene.
The cause of the fire was yet to be established as of the time of filing this report.
However, the outlet houses several activities, including bread baking, cooking and various electrical operations, which could potentially be linked to the incident.
Three fire service trucks were reportedly deployed to the scene as emergency responders battled to contain the flames. Firefighters were said to be drawing water from the SPAR borehole in an effort to put out the fire.
“About three fire service trucks have arrived. They are trying to pump water from SPAR borehole to try to put out the fire. It is not known if anybody is trapped inside but there is confusion here at the car park”. Victoria, a journalist at the scene of the outbreak told Vanguard.
She added that officials of the fire service at the scene declined to speak to journalists about the incident.
The outbreak reportedly attracted people to the shopping outlet and surrounding areas, with confusion said to have gripped the car park as firefighters worked to bring the situation under control.
SPAR, an Indian-owned grocery and retail outlet, is located in central Calabar, close to Watt Market and Bogobiri, an area known for its Hausa-Fulani community.
The outlet commenced operations in Calabar in 2012.
As of the time of the report, there was no official confirmation on whether anyone was injured or trapped inside the building, while the extent of damage caused by the fire was also yet to be ascertained.
