Firefighting teams from AngloGold, Obuasi, and Fomena Fire Stations successfully contained a devastating blaze at the Bogobiri garage near the stadium junction in Obuasi on Friday, December 13. The fire, which erupted around 11 a.m., left a trail of destruction, claiming three lives, injuring nine people, and destroying significant property.
The inferno affected five structures, including three metal containers and two concrete buildings, and caused extensive damage to vehicles and other assets. According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), 12 saloon cars and one minibus were completely burnt, while another saloon car was partially damaged. Combustible materials such as brake fluid, nitrogen gas, and spare parts contributed to the intensity of the fire, which was eventually brought under control by 1 p.m. and fully extinguished by 2:23 p.m.
GNFS reported that overhaul operations were ongoing to ensure no residual flames reignite. The injured, suffering from severe burns, were rushed to hospitals in Obuasi and Kumasi for treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire originated in a welding section of the garage. Assistant Divisional Officer 1, Alex King Nartey of the GNFS PRO Department, attributed the blaze to indiscriminate welding practices.
“The initial assessment showed indiscriminate wielding, using carbide without following safety precautions. The carbide came into contact with explosives and combustible materials, sparking the explosion. This negligence led to the loss of lives and significant destruction,” Nartey explained.
He further emphasized the need for artisans to adopt strict safety measures when handling fire and combustible materials.
The timely response from the fire teams helped mitigate the disaster, saving additional structures and vehicles. According to Obuasi Municipal Fire Commander, DO2 Rita Agboli, their intervention salvaged seven metal containers, three multi-storey structures, and their contents.
“Despite the scale of the fire, our coordinated efforts, with support from AGA and Fomena fire stations, ensured the situation was brought under control swiftly,” Agboli stated.
In light of the incident, GNFS has called on artisans and businesses to exercise extreme caution when working with flammable materials or in environments prone to fire hazards.
“These times require heightened vigilance. We strongly advise against careless practices like indiscriminate welding and burning, which endanger lives and property,” Nartey added
