A massive fire outbreak has ravaged a cluster of mechanic workshops at Sofoline in Kumasi, destroying more than 100 vehicles and leaving scores of artisans facing severe losses.
The blaze, which is believed to have started late at night, spread swiftly through the busy mechanic enclave, fed by highly flammable materials including fuel, engine oils, tyres and spare parts stored at the various shops. Within minutes, vehicles undergoing repairs were engulfed, many of them burning beyond recognition.
Eyewitnesses said mechanics and nearby residents made desperate efforts to move vehicles and salvage equipment, but the ferocity of the flames and thick smoke forced them to retreat. The intense heat made access to the area impossible as the fire tore through the workshops.
Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were eventually dispatched to the scene and battled the inferno for several hours before bringing it under control. By the time the fire was extinguished, however, extensive damage had already been caused.
Although no fatalities were recorded, some mechanics sustained minor injuries while attempting to save their property. Many of the affected artisans described the incident as devastating, explaining that several of the burnt vehicles belonged to customers and represented their main source of income.
The incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety in industrial and artisan enclaves, particularly those handling combustible materials.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially established, but preliminary reports point to a possible electrical fault or the mishandling of flammable substances. Authorities have since launched investigations to determine the cause of the blaze and to recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
