An overnight fire at the Dansoman Market in Accra has claimed the life of an 8-year-old girl and destroyed several wooden structures and shops, according to an official update from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The fire, which broke out shortly after midnight, was first reported at 00:02 hrs. A crew from the Dansoman Fire Station arrived just two minutes later, finding the flames spreading rapidly across multiple sections of the market.
Massive Firefighting Response
Given the intensity of the blaze, firefighters immediately called for reinforcement.
A total of eight additional fire engines were deployed from:
- Industrial Area
- Ministries
- National Headquarters
- Madina
- Weija
- Anyaa
- Accra City
Two water tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) also joined the operation.
Firefighters battled the inferno from multiple angles, preventing it from overrunning the entire market.
According to the GNFS:
- The fire was confined at 01:51 hrs
- Brought under control at 03:03 hrs
- Overhauling then began to extinguish residual hotspots
Tragic Death of 8-Year-Old Girl
In the midst of the chaos, an 8-year-old girl trapped in one of the affected shops could not be rescued in time. She died in the blaze.
Her remains have since been handed over to the Ghana Police Service for further investigation and formal processes.
Cause of Fire Unknown
The GNFS says the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but investigations are already underway to uncover what triggered the incident.
Despite the destruction of several wooden structures and shops, firefighters managed to save adjoining shops and their contents, preventing even greater losses.
Authorities say the market area has now been fully secured, and detailed assessments of the damage are ongoing.
