Fire Ravages Shops, Destroys Goods at Rawlings Park

Sep 1, 2024 - 19:22
Fire Ravages Shops, Destroys Goods at Rawlings Park

Accra, Ghana - A devastating fire swept through the bustling Zongo Lane market, near Rawlings Park, in the Greater Accra Region, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The inferno, which began at a small shop, quickly spread to neighboring stores, sending thick black smoke billowing into the air.

Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly to the scene, engaging in a prolonged and intense battle to bring the blaze under control.

Despite facing significant challenges, including the explosion of gas cylinders and generators, which accelerated the fire's spread, the GNFS team finally managed to contain the inferno.

As the smoke cleared, the full extent of the damage became apparent, with several shops reduced to ruins. Clothing, electronics, and other items were among the goods destroyed in the fire.

According to Alex King Nartey, Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, the explosion of gas cylinders and generators exacerbated the fire, making it difficult for firefighters to extinguish. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

“Our team upon arrival realised there was a fire involving a warehouse. To fight the fire, they had to get ECG to cut the power supply to the area. It took a while to cut the power. The problem is that accessibility was curtailed, even the stairs, leading to another floor were fortified with burglarproof and padlocks.

“To even get access to cut the fire from spreading to other floors were curtailed, because the padlocks and fortifications were too much. That’s what delayed and so we have to call our rescue team.

“If you realise the kind of materials here, generators, gas cylinders, and right now we fear the building might collapse. It’s been very tough to fight and until the fire is totally out we are not going,'' he stated.

 

Source : Lead News Online