Dansoman market fire claims life of 8 year old girl

A devastating fire swept through Dansoman Market in the early hours of Wednesday, claiming the life of an 8-year-old girl and destroying several shops and wooden structures.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed that the fire was first reported at 00:02 hrs, with the first team from Dansoman Fire Station arriving just two minutes later.

According to the GNFS, the blaze had already reached an advanced stage, spreading rapidly across multiple sections of the market. To contain the inferno, eight fire engines from Industrial Area, Ministries, National Headquarters, Madina, Weija, Anyaa, and Accra City stations were mobilized. The response was further supported by two private water tankers provided by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

Firefighters worked tirelessly to control the situation. The fire was confined by 01:51 hrs, brought under control at 03:03 hrs, and fully extinguished by 05:21 hrs after extensive overhauling to eliminate hidden pockets of fire. Despite these efforts, the young girl was trapped in one of the affected areas and could not be rescued. Her badly charred body has been handed over to the Police for preservation and further investigation.

The blaze caused extensive damage, destroying several wooden shops and the goods they contained. However, the swift intervention of firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent structures, averting even greater destruction. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations by the GNFS and Police are ongoing.

In a statement, the GNFS urged traders and the public to remain vigilant in market areas, highlighting the importance of safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.

Dansoman Market, one of Accra’s busiest commercial centers, has experienced fire incidents in the past, underscoring the need for improved fire safety awareness and infrastructure.