A full-blown investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the apartment fire that killed a police officer and his family at Apromoase near Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, authorities have confirmed.
The deceased officer Sergeant Owusu Asante Berfi and his family were trapped in their two-bedroom apartment when the fire started Sunday night in the building which houses police officers.
Firefighters who were called to douse the inferno later discovered the charred bodies of the victims in the debris.
‘We feel your pain’
The shocking incident forced the Inspector General of Police Dr George Akuffo Dampare and some top police chiefs to the scene and commiserate with the bereaved family on Monday.
“The President through the Vice President and the sector Minister has asked me to convey his personal heartfelt condolences to the family who has lost their ones and the affected officers…We want to assure you that we will do our very best to support you so you come out stronger.
“After discussions with the fire service, there will be joint investigations to find out what exactly happened for us to learn the relevant lessons. I have also instructed that all the other blocks that have been affected will be evacuated and given a decent place nearby so that as school reopens your kids will not be disadvantaged while we leave this structure for a complete assessment”, the IGP said adding, “We feel your pain”.
The Police administration will be deploying clinical psychologists to provide psycho-social support to the surviving victims. The IGP was joined by some senior officers of the police administration to commiserate with the victims who assured the police will cater to the needs of the victims.
What happened?
The Assemblyman for Apromase electoral area, Ernest Kwarteng indicated that the incident occurred at around 11:40 pm on Sunday evening. He said authorities have begun investigations.
“Firefighters from Ejisu came and then another was deployed from Oforikrom unfortunately, the family is gone. Investigations have started”, Kwarteng told reporters at the scene.
“We are just seeking some support from the general public because it is a difficult time for these affected young officers”, he added.
Baafi, 35, until his death was with the Anti-robbery Unit at the Ashanti Regional Police Command. The charred bodies have been deposited at the Living Waters Morgue at Krapa in the Ejisu Municipality, for preservation.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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