The eastern part of the affected structure at the Accra Zongo Lane fire has just collapsed, causing a protracted fire.
Efforts are under by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) officers to douse the flame.
According to the GNFS, no firefighter or civilian casualties have been recorded. Fire erupted at Zongo Lane near Rawlings Park in Makola, Accra, causing damage to several shops and likely leaving traders devastated on Sunday, September 1.
According to the Public Relations Department of the Ghana National Fire Service, Alex Nartey, the fire began as a small blaze but quickly intensified due to the inaccessibility of the area and the presence of highly flammable materials stored in many shops.
“The fire that started little has quickly spread as a result of inaccessibility and highly flammable materials found in the affected shops,” Nartey explained.
Firefighters arrived on the scene promptly and undertook a rigorous effort to control the flames. Despite their intense work, the fire caused considerable destruction before it was brought under control.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service. Authorities are currently working to determine how the blaze started and to assess the full impact on the affected businesses.