A fire outbreak at an uncompleted fuel station near the Babasso cemetery in Ejura, Ashanti Region, has resulted in the death of a 25-year-old man, identified as Ali Abubakari.
According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the uncompleted structure was reportedly being used to store gallons of petrol and bags of beans.
The GNFS said it received a distress call at approximately 12:25 p.m. regarding a fire at block number E 6264, believed to be involved in the illegal retail of petrol. A fire crew led by Station Officer I Daniels Moah arrived at the scene within six minutes, at 12:31 p.m.
By the time firefighters arrived, the structure was already engulfed in flames. The blaze partially destroyed the building, along with several gallons of fuel and some of the stored goods. However, the crew managed to salvage six bags of beans and contained the fire within ten minutes, fully extinguishing it by 12:55 p.m.
The charred remains of the victim were handed over to officers from the Ejura Police Command as part of ongoing investigations.
The GNFS has launched a formal inquiry into the cause of the fire and is cautioning the public against storing or selling petroleum products in unauthorised and unsafe structures.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding lives and property through timely and professional emergency response,” the GNFS said in a statement.
