Duraplast Limited says it will resume operations on Monday, October 5, despite fire damage at one of its sites on October 1.

Duraplast’s facility at Avenor, Accra, was caught in a fire that started in the industrial area and spread to the Ghanaian plastic manufacturer's premises, destroying a significant amount of plastic products, including the company’s pipe stock and water tanks.

Despite the damage, the company, in a public notice, announced that it is set to resume operations exactly four days after the unfortunate incident, describing the destruction caused by the fire as a setback and not a ‘definition’ of its story.

While acknowledging the extent of the damage, the company expressed its gratitude to security agencies and firefighters, as well as members of the community who joined in dousing the fire and supported efforts to bring it under control.

“To our cherished customers, partners, and other stakeholders, we sincerely appreciate your concern, patience, and continued support. We wish to assure you that work will resume on Monday, October 5, and we will continue to keep you informed of all developments.

“Every challenge leaves its mark, but it does not define our story. From the ashes, the rubble, and the dust, we will rise again, stronger, better, bigger, and more determined than ever. Like the phoenix, we rise not simply to return, but to rebuild, renew, and soar,” parts of the statement read.

Cause of fire

The exact cause has not been officially established. There were reports pointing to structures behind the facility and a possible gas-cylinder explosion, but those remain reported/suspected causes rather than a confirmed finding.

Some eyewitness accounts suggested that a small gas cylinder used by people occupying makeshift structures may have exploded, but that should be treated as an allegation/early account rather than an established cause.

There was also a report from Duraplast's marketing manager that illegal structures behind the company's premises were involved in the area where the fire originated, and that the company's own fire hydrants were empty during the incident.

Injuries, fatalities

The National Ambulance Service says eight people received medical attention: two were injured after a poly tank fell on them and were taken to Holy Trinity Hospital, one woman collapsed and recovered after treatment, and five others suffered minor burns or trauma.

There were also media reports of two people feared dead, but this was not confirmed by the rescue authorities at the time of reporting, so I wouldn't state that as an established death toll.