One person has been confirmed dead, while several others have suffered severe burns following a fire outbreak at the Abotaose Market in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region.
The fire, which broke out around 2 p.m. on Saturday, reportedly ignited after a premix fuel storage facility allegedly came into contact with a household fire, subsequently spreading to various parts of the market and destroying several structures.
A victim who was resting in a nearby shed during the incident became trapped in the flames and incurred severe burns.
He was transported to the Worawora Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Numerous others who also suffered varying degrees of burns have been taken to the same facility and are currently receiving treatment.
The cause of the fire has yet to be officially determined, as investigations are still ongoing.
However, the Acting District Fire Officer for Biakoye, ADOI Desmond Addo, informed Citi News that preliminary investigations indicate the storage of premix fuel at the market may have played a role in the outbreak.
The fire was ultimately brought under control with assistance from volunteers.
Nevertheless, concerns have been expressed regarding the duration it took for professional firefighters to reach the scene, as personnel had to travel from Dambai and Kpando to the affected area.
