One dead, several injured in fire outbreak at Abotoase market in Oti Region
One person has been confirmed dead, while several others have sustained severe burns following a fire outbreak at the Abotoase Market in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region.
The fire, which occurred at about 2 p.m. on Saturday, is reported to have started after a premix fuel storage facility allegedly came into contact with a domestic fire before spreading to parts of the market and destroying some structures.
According to reports, a victim who was sleeping in a nearby shed at the time of the incident was trapped in the flames. He was rushed to the Worawora Hospital with severe burns but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Several others who sustained varying degrees of burns have also been transported to the same facility and are currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire is yet to be officially established, as investigations are ongoing. However, the Acting District Fire Officer for Biakoye, ADOI Desmond Addo, told Citi News that preliminary investigations suggest the storage of premix fuel at the market may have contributed to the outbreak.
The fire was eventually brought under control with the help of volunteers.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the delayed response of firefighters, with personnel having to travel from Dambai and Kpando to the affected community.
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