Fire destroys factory and warehouse in Tema industrial area, injuring firefighter
A firefighter has been injured after a wall collapsed while crews tackled a blaze that destroyed a takeaway facility and a rubber warehouse in Ghana's industrial city of Tema.
An overnight blaze tore through part of the Tema Industrial Area on Tuesday, destroying a rubber warehouse, factory and takeaway facility, while a firefighter was injured after a wall collapsed during efforts to bring the flames under control.
The fire broke out at about 00:40 GMT, prompting the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to dispatch four fire engines from the Tema Industrial, Devtraco, Motorway and Free Zones fire stations.
Firefighters battled the flames for several hours, working to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring businesses in one of Ghana's busiest industrial zones.
During the operation, part of a damaged wall collapsed, injuring one firefighter. The officer was taken to Tema General Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.
The GNFS said the fire has now been extinguished, but crews remain at the scene carrying out salvage and overhaul operations to extinguish any remaining hotspots and secure the affected structures.
The extent of the damage has not yet been established.
Officials have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
The incident is the latest industrial fire to test emergency responders, with such blazes often posing significant challenges because of the risk of structural collapse, combustible materials and the close proximity of factories and warehouses. Authorities have not said whether any hazardous materials were involved in Tuesday's fire.