Abotaose Market fire kills one and injures several in Oti Region

A fire at the Abotaose Market in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region has resulted in one death and several injuries. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Saturday, destroying multiple structures within the market.

Preliminary reports suggest the blaze may have been triggered when a premix fuel storage facility came into contact with a household fire. One victim, who was sleeping in a nearby shed, became trapped and suffered severe burns; he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Worawora Hospital. Other victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the same facility for varying degrees of burns.

Acting District Fire Officer for Biakoye, ADOI Desmond Addo, noted that the presence of premix fuel at the market may have contributed to the outbreak. While community volunteers helped bring the flames under control, the incident has raised concerns regarding the response time of professional firefighters, who had to travel from Dambai and Kpando to reach the scene. Official investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.