Omanghana
One person has died and several others have sustained severe burns after a fire swept through sections of the Abotaose Market in the Biakoye District of Ghana’s Oti Region.
The blaze began at about 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and spread rapidly through the market, destroying several stalls, sheds and other structures.
The exact number and condition of the injured had not been publicly disclosed at the time of reporting.
Victim Trapped Inside Shed
According to preliminary reports, the deceased was sleeping in a shed near the area where the fire started.
He became trapped as the flames spread and suffered extensive burns before rescuers could reach him.
The victim was transported to the Worawora Hospital for emergency treatment but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Several other people who sustained varying degrees of burns were taken to the same medical facility, where they are receiving treatment.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been officially released.
Premix Fuel Storage Under Investigation
The Ghana National Fire Service has begun investigating the cause of the outbreak.
Preliminary findings indicate that an open household fire may have come into contact with premix fuel stored within the market area, causing the blaze to spread.
Acting Biakoye District Fire Officer ADOI Desmond Addo said the presence of premix fuel at the market may have contributed to the outbreak. However, he stressed that the cause had not been officially established and that investigations were continuing.
Premix fuel is highly flammable, and storing it close to open flames, cooking areas or congested commercial structures creates a serious fire and explosion risk.
Authorities are expected to examine the conditions under which the fuel was stored and determine whether safety regulations were followed.
Volunteers Help Contain Flames
Traders, residents and community volunteers mobilized to fight the fire as it spread through the market.
Their efforts helped bring the blaze under control before professional firefighters arrived from other districts.
The incident caused extensive damage to trading structures and goods, although the total value of property destroyed has not yet been assessed.
Affected traders are expected to face significant financial losses because many market businesses operate without adequate insurance coverage.
Distance Delays Fire Service Response
The fire has renewed concerns about the absence of a fully equipped fire station in the Biakoye District.
Fire tenders reportedly had to travel from Dambai and Kpando to reach Abotaose, delaying the professional emergency response.
Residents and traders have consequently appealed for a dedicated fire station, operational fire tender and adequately trained personnel to be stationed within the district.
They argue that improving local emergency infrastructure would reduce response times and help prevent smaller outbreaks from developing into deadly disasters.
The Ghana National Fire Service is expected to release further details after completing its investigation.
Source: Omanghana
