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The death toll from the devastating fire outbreak at Odumasi near Konongo in the Ashanti Region, has risen to three, officials have confirmed.
The incident which occurred on Wednesday (5 March) also left several others injured following a powerful explosion that escalated the blaze on Wednesday (5 March).
The fire, which started at 7:03 PM, rapidly spread to 30 buildings and eight shops, according to a statement issued by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The statement said the personnel deployed arrived at the scene at 7:13 PM, a sudden explosion from a shop storing explosives injured five firefighters and disabled their fire tender.
Firefighting efforts were further hindered when the pump operator collapsed, making it impossible to commence operations.
Tensions flared as residents attacked responders with stones, forcing them to retreat. A backup crew from FK Jersey (Ejisu) was dispatched but could not proceed due to security concerns.
Authorities report that, aside from the three fatalities, several others suffered injuries, including the five GNFS personnel who have since been treated and discharged from the Asante Akim Central Government Hospital.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, while the GNFS has urged improved security measures to safeguard emergency responders in such situations.
SOURCE: Jonathan Ofori, Northern Sector Editor, Daily Mail GH
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