Fire Razed The Popular Mile One Market In Port Harcourt Today

The popular Mile One Market in Mile One Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was razed by fire in the early hours of this morning Tuesday 17^th December, 2013, following a surprise fire outbreak.

Some of the eyewitnesses said the fire may have started around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.

By 3:40 a.m., the rampaging fire had mercilessly gutted a large portion of the market.

Some firefighters from the Rivers State Fire Service were present as at press time. The fire seems to have surpassed their skill and equipment as it started with multiple explosions, gradually and steadily kept moving to other parts of the market and buildings along the Ikwerre road. 

Hundreds of traders, sympathizers and onlookers flooded the area. Some traders were rushed to the hospital for medical attention after discovering that their shops and goods have been destroyed.

To worsen the situation, a driver who stole someone's car loaded with goods while trying to escape from the police patrol van ran over a boy, injuring him badly.

Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed in the accident.

Some residents of the area report gunshots and siren sounds, others say there were explosion sounds as cartons of insecticides and perfumes were popping due to intense heat.  What a loss for these traders who have lost so much. Continue to read and see more devastating photos.....