What Really Caused the China City Mall Fire at Santasi? New Details Emerge from Investigations
A major fire has gutted the newly opened China City Mall located at Santasi–Star Junction in Kumasi, leaving millions of cedis worth of goods destroyed and traders devastated. The outbreak occurred on Thursday, October 30, with thick smoke visible from several streets away as firefighters battled for hours to contain the blaze.
Where Did the Fire Start?
According to two security guards on duty, the fire is believed to have originated from a specific department within the building. However, the exact ignition point remains under investigation.
Highly Combustible Materials Fueled the Blaze
Assistant Chief Fire Officer II Peter Tetteh confirmed that the rapid spread was due to:
Clothing and fabrics
Paper packaging
Plastics
Perfumes and sprays
Chemical-based cosmetics
He noted:
“The rapid spread of the fire was due to highly combustible materials, but the cause is yet to be determined.”
Videos also show shelves collapsing and materials igniting instantly due to heat pressure.
Possible Causes Under Investigation
Fire inspectors are currently examining:
Electrical wiring and power surges
Generator malfunction
Overheated wall sockets
Faulty extension cables
Chemical storage methods
Similar commercial fires in Ghana have often been linked to overloaded circuits.
Safety System Concerns
Footage and eyewitness reports reveal:
Limited emergency exits
No visible sprinklers
Poor ventilation
Tightly packed goods