Eleven injured in Adum market fire outbreak
Story By: Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Officials from the National Ambulance Service, have confirmed that eleven people sustained injuries in the fire outbreak and were hospitalized, some were taken to the Manhyia hospital and others to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, but are currently stable.
A massive fire outbreak has ravaged the Adum market in Kumasi’s central business district, leaving traders counting their losses. The blaze, which started around 5 am on Friday, March 21, quickly spread due to narrow access paths and congested market structures.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire began small, but gas cylinders in the market exacerbated the situation. Despite efforts by firefighters, the fire destroyed several shops and buildings. The Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Peter Tetteh, noted that firefighters struggled to navigate the area due to limited access.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, visited the scene and was visibly upset by the situation. He confronted fire officials about a fire tender that wasn’t operating effectively and ordered them to take immediate action. Later, he deployed excavators, which were confiscated from galamsey sites, to clear debris and help firefighters access affected areas.
President Mahama also visited the scene, promising government support for affected traders. He urged traders not to bring gas cylinders to the market. He instructed the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) to provide relief items to affected traders.
The Chief Fire Officer, DCFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, highlighted the need for better equipment and access paths to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Traders are still reeling from the incident, with many hoping for government support to revive their businesses. Many of the traders had taken loans to finance their businesses, while others had restocked their merchandise just a day before the fire broke out. The incident has left many counting their losses, with some traders wailing and others losing consciousness upon seeing the destruction. Some individuals were arrested for looting items during the chaos. As the traders struggle to come to terms with their losses, the government has pledged to provide support to help them revive their businesses. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for emergency preparedness measures in congested market areas.
