Omanghana
A major fire has destroyed several shops, warehouses and residential structures at Zongo Lane near Rawlings Park in Accra’s Central Business District.
The blaze affected tightly packed wooden structures containing large quantities of combustible materials, including mattresses, plastics, leather products and home appliances.
The Ghana National Fire Service deployed several operational teams, including personnel from the Makola and Ministry fire stations, to the scene. Private water tankers were also mobilised to support efforts to control the fire.
Firefighters eventually confined the blaze and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties. However, the operation was hampered by intense heat, thick smoke, locked shops and warehouses, and limited access caused by the congested arrangement of the structures.
Preliminary information indicates that eight shops, four warehouses and 12 residential rooms were completely destroyed.
The eastern section of one of the heavily affected buildings also collapsed during the prolonged firefighting operation.
No injuries or deaths involving residents, traders or firefighters were recorded.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana Police Service and GNFS worked together to secure the affected area. Police officers were deployed to control crowds and protect goods recovered from shops against possible looting.
Structural experts are expected to assess the stability of the remaining buildings and determine whether they pose a danger to the public.
Fire engines remained at the scene to monitor the area and prevent any possible reignition, while investigations continued to establish the cause of the outbreak.
Source: Omanghana
