A New Year celebration in Kumasi-Tafo Mile 4 took a tragic turn when a firework display reportedly triggered a fire that destroyed a shop near the Hisense outlet, leaving adjoining structures severely damaged.
The incident, which occurred shortly after midnight, saw the fire spread rapidly, sparking panic among onlookers and residents. Eyewitnesses recounted how the flames, fuelled by combustible materials in the shop, quickly engulfed the area.
“I saw the fireworks shooting into the sky, and moments later, there was a spark near the shop. Before we knew it, the flames had spread,” an onlooker said.
Firefighters arrived at the scene to battle the blaze but faced challenges in controlling the fire due to the intensity of the flames and the proximity of the structures. Local residents joined efforts to salvage items from nearby shops and homes as the fire threatened to spread further.
Though no casualties have been reported, the fire has left significant damage to property, with estimates expected to be in the thousands of Ghana cedis. The affected shop owner, visibly distressed, lamented the loss of her business and livelihood.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether the fireworks were legally authorised for use in the area.
Residents have called for stricter regulations on the use of fireworks during celebrations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, emergency services have urged the public to prioritise safety and report any unauthorised firework displays.