A devastating fire broke out on Sunday, March 30, 2025, in Nima, a bustling Accra neighbourhood, resulting in the death of two people.
The fire, which engulfed a seven-bedroom house, was further exacerbated by the actions of those on the scene, as they disregarded professional fire services in an attempt to extinguish the flames themselves.
According to reports from witnesses, the fire started in the early hours of the morning, rapidly spreading across the building.
Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene, but their efforts were hampered by delays in receiving critical support.
The Officer in Charge (0IC) at the scene had sought urgent assistance from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to address the electrical hazards present in the house, but their response was delayed, compounding the dangerous situation.
Despite the firemen’s presence and efforts to control the blaze, a group of civilians on the scene grew frustrated with what they perceived as slow action.
In a misguided attempt to take control of the situation, they forcefully seized a hose from the firemen, determined to fight the fire on their own.
The firemen, aware of the significant electrical risks, repeatedly warned the civilians about the danger of electrocution from the building’s electrical supply, but these warnings went unheeded.
Tragically, their attempt to play the role of heroes ended in disaster when two of the civilians were electrocuted after coming into contact with live electrical wires while trying to extinguish the flames.
Both individuals succumbed to the electrical shock, losing their lives.
Additionally, one police officer sustained injuries and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The fire completely destroyed the seven-bedroom house and its contents, leaving a massive loss for the affected family.
The firemen on-site, though doing their best to manage the situation, were unable to prevent the tragic outcome.
The delayed response from the ECG also raised questions about the coordination of emergency services and their ability to respond swiftly in critical moments.
