A devastating fire that swept through the Blue Light Arena in Kumasi’s Central Business District (CBD) has left nine people injured, including firefighters, while others suffered panic attacks, according to the National Ambulance Service.

The fire, which erupted in the early hours of Friday, March 21, ravaged multiple shops housed in two-storey buildings, reducing valuable goods and structures to ashes.

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Even a day after the incident, traces of fire and smoke remain visible in the rubble, with burnt metal containers scattered across the area.

Firefighters faced immense challenges in bringing the blaze under control due to the congested nature of the market, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) revealed.

The intensity of the fire prompted the use of an excavator to break into shops that sustained less damage, creating access for fire service personnel to douse lingering flames.

• Read also: Adum Fire: Simmering fire and smoke visible in rubble a day after devastating inferno

The fire, which started near Hello FM, spread rapidly through the commercial hub, consuming businesses and leaving shop owners devastated.

The full extent of losses is yet to be determined as authorities continue investigations into the cause of the fire.

Meanwhile, recovery efforts are ongoing, with emergency services working tirelessly to clear debris and assess the structural integrity of affected buildings.