Fire destroys Zabzugu yam market

A fire outbreak has destroyed parts of the Zabzugu Yam Market in the Northern Region, leaving traders counting significant losses after several stalls and large quantities of yams were reduced to ashes.

The blaze broke out on Monday afternoon, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and causing panic among traders and residents in the area. Eyewitnesses said the fire spread rapidly through the wooden structures within the market before emergency responders arrived.

One of the hardest-hit victims, Alhassan Amin, watched helplessly as flames consumed the stall he had relied on for years to support his family.

Speaking shortly after the incident, the visibly distraught trader said he had briefly stepped away when the fire suddenly erupted and quickly spread across the market.

Within minutes, his entire stock of yams, carefully arranged for customers, had been destroyed.

According to Amin, the incident has dealt a severe financial blow to his household, as yam trading remains his primary source of income. He disclosed that he had recently restocked in anticipation of increased patronage, making the loss even more devastating.

Despite the destruction, he expressed relief that no lives were lost and appealed to the government and benevolent organisations to support affected traders in rebuilding their businesses.

Firefighters from the Yendi Fire Station of the Ghana National Fire Service responded after receiving a distress call at 1302 hours. The team arrived promptly and began efforts to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby residential buildings.

The fire was brought under control at 1415 hours and fully extinguished at 1435 hours.

The operation was led by DO III James Zooyar, Yendi Municipal Operations Officer. The swift intervention of the crew helped salvage several yam moulds and protect adjoining residential structures from further damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined.

By: Baba Kamil Mohammed, Northern Region

Read also…