A fire outbreak on Monday severely damaged the Borno State Mechanical Workshop, resulting in the destruction of over ten 18-seater buses valued at millions of naira. Witnesses reported that the fire began around noon, triggered by a loud explosion within the workshop premises.
Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident, although one fire service personnel sustained injuries while attempting to control the flames. A witness described the scene, stating that the explosion caused panic among staff and commuters, prompting them to flee for safety.
The quick response of the fire service was crucial in preventing further damage. They arrived promptly and managed to bring the situation under control, averting a potential disaster.
Aliyu Buba Bamanga, the Borno State Commissioner for Transport and Energy, visited the site but refrained from making any comments, indicating that he was awaiting an official statement from Governor Babagana Umara Zulum.
A staff member from the workshop shared that the affected buses were primarily undergoing routine servicing, with a few in for major repairs. He noted that they were fortunate the nearby electric vehicle charging station remained untouched, as its destruction could have worsened the situation significantly.
This mechanical workshop, operated by the Borno Express Transport Corporation, plays a vital role in maintaining the state’s mass transit fleet. The fire incident occurred just a day after another fire had razed thousands of thatched houses in four communities in Alau, Borno State, resulting in two fatalities and widespread property damage.
