The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has begun demolishing structures around Accra’s North Industrial Area to create access routes for firefighters battling a blaze at Duraplast Ghana.
The structures were reportedly obstructing access to the affected area, making it difficult for firefighters to position their equipment and attack the fire effectively.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, October 1, sending thick smoke and flames into the surrounding industrial enclave.
The incident has reportedly claimed two lives, including a two-week-old baby, although authorities have yet to provide a full account of the casualties.
An eyewitness, who identified himself as Mohammed, alleged that the fire started after a woman who had been cooking for her children left a gas cylinder in the care of one of them.
He claimed the child subsequently increased the gas, resulting in an explosion that triggered the fire.
The account has not been independently verified, and the cause of the fire remains subject to investigation.
The blaze has generated concern among workers, residents and other people in the area as firefighters continue operations to contain it.
The GNFS is also working to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the industrial enclave as efforts to bring the situation under control continue.
