Over-70-Year-Old Man Killed as Fire Guts 5-Bedroom House at Aputuogya
Five-room house engulfed in flames in Bosomtwe District; victim reportedly trapped inside as firefighters battled the blaze.
- An elderly man, Agya Poku, believed to be over 70 years old, died after being trapped in a house fire at Aputuogya.
- The Bosomtwe District Fire Service says the blaze affected a five-room house, and investigations are underway to establish its cause.
- Tenants allege that while some neighbours helped rescue belongings, others reportedly stole cash and valuables during the chaos
A tragic fire outbreak at Aputuogya in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region has claimed the life of an elderly man believed to be over 70 years old.
The deceased, identified by relatives as Agya Poku, is said to have been trapped inside a burning five-room house when the fire broke out, leaving him unable to escape.
According to the Bosomtwe District Fire Service, the station received a distress call from its headquarters reporting a fire outbreak at a house located behind a clinic in Aputuogya. Firefighters immediately rushed to the scene to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings.
Speaking to Lawson Media’s Nana Owusu Achiaw while firefighters were battling the flames, the Bosomtwe District Fire Commander, ADO1 Addo-Korang, disclosed that the affected structure comprised five rooms.
He explained that upon entering the burning building, firefighters found the elderly man trapped inside one of the rooms. Unfortunately, he had already succumbed to heavy smoke inhalation before he could be rescued.
The Fire Commander noted that the victim’s body was later retrieved after the flames had been brought under control.
ADO1 Addo-Korang further revealed that investigations have commenced to determine the exact cause of the devastating fire.
Meanwhile, relatives of the deceased and several tenants of the house, who were visibly devastated by the incident, recounted the terrifying moments as the fire engulfed the property.
Some tenants alleged that while many neighbours selflessly assisted them in salvaging their belongings from the burning house, others allegedly took advantage of the confusion to steal personal items, including cash and other valuables.
The incident has left residents of Aputuogya in shock, with many calling for greater fire safety awareness and urging the public to support the affected families as they come to terms with the tragedy.
