The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded following a devastating fire outbreak at the China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi on Thursday afternoon.
According to a statement issued by the Service, though portions of the building caved in due to the extent of the fire, no one was affected.
In an update, the GNFS said the fire was reported at 1519 hours and that the first fire appliance was quickly dispatched from the Komfo Anokye Fire Station, which met the blaze at an advanced stage.
The statement added that occupants of the building initiated emergency evacuation and attempted to douse the flames with portable extinguishers but were unsuccessful.
However, three additional pumps from the Regional Headquarters Substation, Manhyia, and Twedie Fire Stations were deployed to assist in firefighting operations.
“Firefighters have successfully confined the fire and prevented further spread,” the GNFS noted.
According to the Service, preliminary assessment revealed that the fire originated from a warehouse on the first floor before spreading to other sections of the mall.
The intensity of the fire and the large fuel load caused parts of the building to cave in, leaving severe cracks and spalling on the walls.
This, it stated, had exposed reinforcements and compromised the structural integrity of the mall.
A drip machine from the Regional Coordinating Council, one water tanker, and two excavators are assisting with managing the fire and pulling down weakened sections of the structure to prevent further danger to residents and firefighters.
At the time of filing this report, the Service noted that “the exact cause of the fire is, however, not yet clear.”
The GNFS assured that further details will be communicated as investigations continue.
