In a shocking incident that has left the Calabar business community reeling, a Tesla accessory shop was engulfed in flames on Tuesday morning, October 8, 2023. Located at No. 7 Bedwell Street, Watt Market, the shop, known for its high-end car accessories, was reduced to rubble, resulting in losses worth millions of naira.
The fire reportedly ignited when a welder working in a nearby shop accidentally sparked flames from an electric cable. Eyewitness Uche recounted the harrowing scene: “We were going about our business when suddenly there was a spark. Before we knew it, the fire had spread rapidly inside the shop.” Despite the efforts of nearby traders to contain the blaze, it quickly escalated beyond control, almost costing lives in the process.
Uche explained that the shop specialized in premium car accessories, including Android screens priced at over N100,000 and Tesla screens costing upwards of N500,000. The destruction left behind was staggering. “The items in that shop are worth several millions of naira,” he lamented. “The sales girl tried to save some items but could only manage a few non-essential pieces before the flames overwhelmed her.”
In a cruel twist of fate, the very shop where the welding was taking place remained unscathed, raising questions about safety protocols and the risks associated with nearby construction work. “It’s alarming how easily this could have been prevented,” said Emeka, another eyewitness. “One moment, everyone was just going about their day, and then—like play, like play—everything changed.”
This incident is not an isolated one for Calabar, which has seen a disturbing trend of shop fires. Just weeks prior, on September 19, another fire ravaged a shopping complex in the same area, resulting in extensive losses for multiple business owners. Many fear that without proper accountability or insurance coverage, the safety of their livelihoods remains perilously at risk.
Local business owners are now grappling with the harsh reality of operating in an environment where such disasters are becoming alarmingly routine. “We need better safety regulations,” said Emeka. “The fear of losing everything keeps us awake at night.”
As the community comes to terms with this latest tragedy, the urgent need for a comprehensive fire safety strategy in Calabar has never been clearer. Business owners are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures to safeguard their investments and ensure that the flames of misfortune do not consume their dreams.
