Adum Central Market fire: ‘Looters took advantage of situation’ — National Security Operative

National Security operatives have revealed that looters took advantage of the chaos during the fire outbreak at the Adum Central Market in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional capital.

The fire, which started around 5:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21, continues to spread within the central business district, causing panic among traders and shop owners.

A National Security operative, who briefed the media, disclosed that firefighters are facing multiple challenges in containing the inferno, including obstruction from illegal structures and interference from individuals attempting to loot.

“The fire service personnel did their best, but the main problem is how to get access to where the fire started. If they had a clear path, they could have controlled it within 30 minutes, but the structures around the area are blocking their efforts. Some people were even disrupting their work, and looters took advantage of the chaos.

“The military had to step in and make some arrests. The fire is now moving towards the Roman Hill area and Phase Two of the market. Firefighters are working seriously, but access is still a problem,”the operative explained.

Fire Service personnel are on-site battling the inferno, which has already engulfed several shops and is reportedly extending to Phase Two of the market.

The situation has forced security officials to consider drastic measures to contain the blaze.

A JoyNews reporter, Nana Boakye Yiadom, who was at the scene, described the fire as catastrophic.

“It started from a building next to Hello FM, on the top floor, and swept through the entire structure. It spread to another building opposite the Otumfuo Roundabout, then extended towards the structures near Phase Two of the Kejetia Market. The fire has also reached buildings around the Roman Hill area, where firefighters are now concentrating their efforts,” he reported.