Kpone: Tragic Fire Claims Four Lives, Including a 2-Year-Old at Kpone Kokompe
A devastating fire at Kpone Kokompe has claimed the lives of four individuals, including a young child. The fire occurred late Friday night, September 13, 2024, engulfing several structures and causing widespread damage. Here’s a breakdown of the events, the response by authorities, and the ongoing investigation.
The Incident: A Midnight Tragedy
On Friday, September 13, 2024, at around 11:28 pm, a fire broke out at Kpone Kokompe, a known settlement in Ghana’s Greater Accra Region. The blaze rapidly spread, consuming 10 wooden structures. Among the casualties were a 14-year-old girl, two boys aged 11 and 2, and a 27-year-old man, leaving their families and the entire community in a state of grief.
The fire, fueled by the wooden constructions, spread quickly, reducing homes and personal belongings to ashes. Eyewitness accounts describe the horror of the fire spreading uncontrollably as residents scrambled to escape its deadly path.
Fire Service Response: Swift but Tragic
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded swiftly to the distress call, arriving at the scene at 11:47 pm. Despite their quick response, the fire had already caused considerable damage. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 12:31 am and fully extinguished it by 12:55 am.
The GNFS has since expressed their condolences to the bereaved families. Their efforts were instrumental in preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent structures, limiting the extent of the destruction. However, the loss of lives and the destruction of property have left an indelible mark on the Kpone Kokompe community.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. While no official statement has been made regarding what ignited the blaze, similar incidents in densely populated areas like Kpone Kokompe often involve faulty electrical wiring, open flames, or cooking accidents. The fire service has called on the public to remain cautious and adhere to fire safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
Community in Mourning
The Kpone Kokompe community is left devastated by the loss of lives and property. Families have been displaced, and many survivors are left with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The emotional and psychological toll of this tragedy is immeasurable, as residents come to terms with the loss of young lives and the destruction of homes.
Several organizations, including the GNFS and local authorities, have reached out to the affected families, offering support and counseling in the wake of the disaster.
Ghana’s Fire Safety Concerns
This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety in Ghana, particularly in informal settlements and areas with wooden structures. Fires like these, though preventable, continue to claim lives and destroy property across the country.
The GNFS has been active in raising awareness about fire safety, but challenges persist due to inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and limited resources in densely populated areas. More efforts are needed to ensure communities like Kpone Kokompe are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to prevent similar disasters in the future.
A Call for Action
The fire at Kpone Kokompe is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of informal settlements to fire outbreaks. While the GNFS acted swiftly to control the blaze, the loss of four lives—especially young children—calls for urgent action to improve fire safety measures nationwide.
Video Below 👇:
Read More: NDC will undertake “continuous recruitment” of health workers – Mahama
