A preliminary investigation by the Ghana National Fire Service suggests, Thursday's fire which gutted a hostel at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science was caused by an electrical fault.

Several properties were destroyed in the blaze. Items such as clothes, books, microwaves, fridges, cooking utensils were all burnt to ashes. Most of the students were not in the hostel when the fire started around 5:00 pm on the third floor of the four storey building.

Luv FM’s Kofi Asare who visited the Crystal Rose hostel a day after the disaster said the atmosphere there was that of sorrow.

He said the fire affected 35 rooms leaving about 70 students stranded.

As at midday on Friday, the affected students were denied access to the building. The fire personnel still conducting the investigation, advised that the structure might be affected by the blaze and wanted proper assessment done before the students are allowed access.

A meeting has been fixed for 4:30 pm today, Friday,  for the university authorities, managers of the hostel and the Students Representative Council to fashion out the way forward for the affected students.

The hostel is located at secluded and serene area with majority of the occupants being final year students and those from 'rich' homes.

Meanwhile, the students are worried they will encounter difficulty in seeking alternative accommodation when school reopens.

But President of the Students Representative Council of the KNUST, Caleb Fugah tells Joy News some provision has been made to accommodate stranded students.

Ashanti Regional Safety Officer of the Fire Service, David Afful told Joy FM’s Top Story some of the affected rooms had gas cylinders, and suspected that a leaked gas might have helped ignite the fire.

KNUST Deputy Registrar (Relations) Vincent Ankamah Lomotey said the university will be strict on fire safety compliance of private hostels operating on its campus.

He would however not accuse the managers of the hostel for any wrongdoing. Until investigations have been concluded, he said he would “not be able to tell whether something was done right or wrong”.

Nonetheless, Mr Lomotey said the university would “take appropriate measures” if it is discovered that the owners of the hostel failed to do their job.