A wild fire at a mining shop in Konongo-Odumase, in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has caused major havoc, leaving lives and properties destroyed.
According to eyewitnesses, the fire started in one of the shops that deals in dynamites and other explosives used by miners. The fire then spread wildly to other shops, resulting in multiple casualties, some victims of the fire having their bodies dismembered. Firefighters who were deployed to handle the situation also suffered severe injuries.The cause of the fire, however, is unknown.
The death toll currently is three was confirmed by authorities, while other injured persons are receiving treatment at a hospital in Konongo-Odumase.
Divisional Officer Grade 2 Joe Bryden, the Asante Akyem Central Municipal Fire Commander, confirmed that a resident who tried to warn firefighters about the danger tragically lost his life.
“He was trying to warn the firefighters to back off, but before he could escape, the explosion occurred. He was severely injured, and I’ve been told he has passed,” he stated.
Authorities continue to assess the full extent of casualties and damage as investigations proceed.
