Some shop owners affected by a devastating fire at a popular pub and food joint near Nogora Junction, just meters from Ho Technical University, are blaming the incident on intermittent power outages, locally known as dumsor.
The blaze sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky, drawing large crowds to the scene. Firefighters from the Ho Municipal Fire Command, led by Divisional Officer II Seth Tey, managed to bring the fire under control.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, August 13, destroyed more than five shops — including a well-known pub and eatery, as well as a printing press — causing losses estimated in the millions of cedis.
Affected shop owners are now counting their losses, salvaging what they can, and clearing debris from the site.
In an interview with Citi News, a shop owner said, “The power was intermittent. Thank God I was there alone. I had just moved to the boutique, and the next moment, the fire had consumed the place — there was fire everywhere.
When I decided to call for help, the flames had already spread. We have been facing this dumsor problem for a very long time. I’m always repairing my fridge. The damage is about GHC 1 million, including that of my neighbours who were also affected, though I can’t speak for them.”
Firefighters have, however, begun investigations into the incident with a visit to the affected shops for further assessment.
Divisional Officer II Seth Tey, Ho Municipal Fire Command, in an interview with journalists, said, “Six containers were involved in the fire outbreak. We were able to bring the fire under control within 2 hours because of the intensity of the fire. Now, an investigation is underway, and we can’t give you the cause of the fire.”
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