According to the Ghana National Fire Service, the fire began as a commercial fire opposite a herbal shop known as Barika Herbal and quickly spread to nearby houses.
A shop dealing in mining explosives located near the origin of the fire also caught flames, and the rapid spread of the blaze caused the explosives to detonate, resulting in significant damage.
Here is what we know so far since the fire incident:
Casualties
Three civilians, a woman, and two men, have been reported dead after succumbing to their injuries from the explosion. Many others, including five firefighters, also sustained injuries.
On damaged properties, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) reported that over 30 buildings and 8 shops were burned down by the ravaging fire.
Some of the injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities, with some in critical condition.
Probe
Following the incident, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has ordered a thorough investigation into the explosion, as well as into the sale of illegal explosives in the township.
According to him, lessons should have been learned from a similar incident that occurred in Appiatse, but it appears that caution was disregarded in this case.
Addressing the media upon visiting the scene of the site, Dr. Amoakohene said, “We experienced a similar situation at Appiatse, so I thought we wouldn’t go through this again anytime soon.
“Unfortunately, we have this on our hands. Following that, I have instructed the security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, especially across mining communities, to find out if others are illegally selling explosives in town,” he stated.
Cause of fire
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined as security agencies have been tasked to conduct investigations.
Attack on firefighters
The explosion which resulted in the injury of five firefighters also destroyed a fire tender brought to the scene to douse the inferno. The unexpected damage led to the firefighters not being able to quickly get to work to cease the fire.
Due to this, civilians who were frustrated and aggrieved pelted stones at the fire personnels, reportedly forcing them to withdraw, Ghana National Fire Service indicated in a release on March 6, 2025.
Relief items
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has donated GH¢5,000 to each of the affected victims and households to help cushion their losses and assist in their recovery.
Appiatse explosion
A similar explosion occurred in Appiatse, a mining community near Bogoso in the Western Region, in January 2022.
The explosion, caused by dynamites being transported to a mining site, flattened the entire community, leaving numerous people dead and others injured.
The impact of the explosion created a crater on the major highway, forcing the police to divert traffic.
The truck was carrying explosives to the Chirano gold mine, located about 140 km from the scene of the blast, when it was reportedly hit by a motorcycle, according to police. This collision caused a fire, which led to the explosion approximately 15 minutes later.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
