A heartbreaking fire swept through a textile shop at Lapaz Market in Accra on Sunday, April 27, causing extensive damage and leaving the shop’s owner hospitalized after collapsing in shock upon witnessing the destruction.
The blaze, which ignited on the top floor of the building, ravaged bedding materials and goods valued at millions of cedis. Despite the swift response of firefighters from the Abelenkpe branch of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), who managed to contain the fire and prevent its spread to nearby shops, the damage was substantial.
The shop’s owner, a woman, fainted at the sight of her business engulfed in flames and was immediately rushed to Lapaz Community Hospital. Witnesses described her as deeply affected by the disaster, which caused her to lose consciousness.
Meanwhile, the owner’s mother, who co-owns the business, was on the ground floor when the fire started. She recalled how her grandchild alerted them to the flames, allowing them to act quickly and seek assistance from the authorities.
Operations Officer ADO I Emmanuel Akwetey of the Abelenkpe GNFS confirmed that the fire’s cause is still under investigation but assured the public that efforts are ongoing to determine the source. “We did our best to prevent the fire from spreading,” Akwetey said. “Our investigation is still underway, and the shop owner will be invited for a full report.”
As the community rallies around the distressed shop owner, residents hope for a swift recovery and await further updates from the ongoing investigation.
