By Okey Alozie.
Mysterious fire on Tuesday wrecked havoc at the Chief Magistrate Court Owerri near Government House Owerri, Imo State.
Our reporter who observed scene said that a Corolla vehicle with registration number (IMSJ 101) belonging to the administrative Chief Magistrate Mrs Stella Kadurumba was said burnt beyond repair at around 11:00 am, while she was busy working in her office.
According to report the engine of the vehicle was off when the fire started.
Our reporter observed that the official car of the female Magistrate was at the office car park but suddenly like a surprise package to those close to the car park they noticed fire from the car.
Before the driver could come to take the fire out, it increased and this made the driver to raise alarm for people to come and help out. The fire service people received distressed call and rushed to court premises but before they could come with their tanker, the car had damaged beyond repair and everywhere was in flames.
The driver, Mr Chidi Ofoma who spoke to journalists in tears revealed that the vehicle was in order before the fire and wondered how a vehicle that was not on for more than 3hrs could suddenly catch fire from nowhere.
Ifeoma Nzeukwu, Personal Assistant to the Chief Magistrate expressed surprise on the fire issue.
Mba Joy who served as Clerk to the Chief Magistrate also expressed surprise on the fire.
Mrs SK Kadurumba was dumbfounded and shocked to hear that her official vehicle got burnt beyond repair when she cannot afford another one to come to work with.
Many who witnessed what happened sympathized with her.
“She is in pains now actually but the obvious fact remains that she has no another official car” they said.
