By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, Jan. 20, GNA — The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) on Tuesday successfully contained and extinguished a fire outbreak behind the Royal VVIP Bus Terminal at Nkrumah Circle in Accra.
The fire, which broke out on Tuesday, was reported to the GNFS at about 1007 hours, prompting the immediate deployment of five fire appliances from the Industrial Area, Accra City, Ministries, Flagstaff House, and Parliament House Fire Stations.
Divisional Officer II, Desmond Ackah, the Head of Public Relations, in an update, said the first firefighting crew from the Industrial Area Fire Station arrived at the scene within five minutes of the distress call, enabling swift intervention.
Two water tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Ghana Immigration Service supported the operation to ensure a continuous water supply.
The fire, which affected an unspecified number of wooden and metallic structures used for both commercial and residential purposes, was brought under control at 1211 hours and fully extinguished at 1314 hours.
He said a civilian and one firefighter sustained minor smoke inhalation during the operation but have since fully recovered and were in stable condition.
“Although several makeshift structures and their contents including mobile phones and accessories, electronic devices, food items, clothing, and other assorted goods were destroyed, firefighters successfully salvaged the Royal VVIP Bus Terminal, a nearby Goil Filling Station, and a number of shops around Tip Toe Lane.
“Firefighting efforts were, however, hampered by congestion and accessibility challenges, illegal electrical connections which required power isolation by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), and the absence of functional fire hydrants in the area.
As a result, water had to be replenished from Farisco and the frontage of the GRA Circle office,” he explained.
Mr Ackah said no fatalities were recorded, and investigations into the cause of the fire have commenced.
Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the Greater Accra Regional Commander, and other senior officers were present at the scene to provide operational support.
The GNFS commended its personnel for their swift and professional response, which helped prevent the fire from escalating into a major catastrophe.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong
