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A devastating fire broke out at Zongo Lane, near Rawlings Park in Accra’s bustling commercial district, on Sunday, reducing several shops to ashes and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
The fire reportedly started in a small shop and quickly spread to neighboring establishments, fueled by flammable materials. The blaze sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, causing panic among shop owners and customers in the vicinity.
Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly to the scene, battling the intense flames for hours before finally bringing the fire under control. However, the damage was extensive, with several shops completely destroyed and valuable merchandise, including clothing and electronics, turned to rubble.
Alex King Nartey, Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, highlighted the challenges faced by the firefighting team. He noted that the fire was exacerbated by the explosion of gas cylinders and generators within the shops, which caused the flames to spread rapidly.
“Our team upon arrival realized there was a fire involving a warehouse. To fight the fire, they had to get ECG to cut the power supply to the area, which delayed our efforts,” Nartey explained. He further detailed the difficulties in accessing the building due to fortified entrances and padlocked stairs, which hampered their ability to prevent the fire from spreading to other floors.
The GNFS also expressed concerns about the structural integrity of the affected building, fearing it might collapse due to the extensive damage caused by the fire.
As investigations continue, the full extent of the loss is still being assessed. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by fire in densely populated commercial areas.
