Residents of Buipe Yepala in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region have expressed anger and frustration after a fire outbreak destroyed thousands of cedis worth of property at a retail fuel station, while firefighters stood by helplessly due to a faulty fire tender.
According to the Buipe District Fire Command, the incident occurred when a private fuel dealer attempted to open one of the fuel drums that had been rolled on the ground.
The pressure buildup inside the drum reportedly caused an explosion, sparking a blaze that quickly spread to a fuel tanker parked within the compound of the SO Filling Station.
The tanker was completely gutted by the fire, leaving behind charred remains and traumatised residents who watched helplessly as the flames consumed nearby structures.
Residents told Adom News they are disappointed that the only fire tender in the district has been out of service for over a year, despite repeated appeals to authorities for repairs.
Although no injuries were reported, affected residents are calling on the government and the Ghana National Fire Service to urgently address the situation to prevent future disasters.
Source: Rebecca Nantomah
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