Santasi: Firefighters to Pull Down China City Mall Structural Building After Inferno

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) plans to dismantle the entire structure of the China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, which was ravaged by fire on Thursday.

In a statement, it said the integrity of the structure had been compromised.

This is to ensure the safety of workers, residents, and firefighters still battling the blaze.

“The affected and structurally compromised building will be pulled down with the two (2) earthmoving machines after complete extinguishment of the fire…”

Meanwhile, it reported that the blaze has been brought under control, while damping down operations are currently underway to completely douse the deep-seated pockets of fire within the premises.

It also reported that three water tankers from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), two excavators, and four fire engines were at the scene.

The fire broke out on the afternoon of October 30, starting at a warehouse on the first floor before spreading to other parts of the mall, preliminary GNFS investigations found.

Occupants initiated emergency evacuation protocols and made initial firefighting attempts using portable extinguishers but were unsuccessful.

No injury or fatality was recorded; however, portions of the building have caved in due to the intensity of the fire and the large chain of fuel load involved.

“Severe spalling and cracks are visible on the walls, with exposed reinforcement indicating compromised stability and structural integrity of the building,” the Service added.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained.

Story by Hajara Fuseini

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/