Woman, 70, dies in Suame Magazine fire
A 70-year-old woman has died following a fire outbreak at Suame Magazine Zone 18 near the garages in Kumasi, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed.
The victim, identified as Madam Bawama Naya, was trapped in the blaze in the early hours of Saturday, May 16, 2026.
According to the Ashanti Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service, the fire also destroyed several properties, including wooden structures, metal containers, vehicles, and vehicle engines.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Service said the Breman Fire Station received a distress call at about 0322 GMT reporting a fire involving structures, vehicles, and vehicle spare parts within the area.
A combined firefighting team from the Breman and Komfo Anokye fire stations was subsequently dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, the fully developed fire had engulfed three wooden structures, three metal containers, four vehicles, and nine DAF vehicle engines,” the statement said.
The GNFS said firefighters adopted both offensive and defensive firefighting strategies, bringing the fire under control at about 0359 GMT before fully extinguishing it at 0451 GMT using water and foam.
The body of Madam Bawama Naya was later handed over to officers from the Suame District Police Command for preservation and further investigation.
Firefighters also managed to salvage three sprinter buses, one Smiling Benz bus, and one Opanka bus from the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Fire Service urged the public, particularly operators within industrial and commercial enclaves, to strictly observe fire safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
