Over 470 Rescued, 5 Dead, 1 Missing: GNFS gives breakdown of flood, fire response

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that its personnel have rescued more than 470 people while responding to multiple emergencies between Sunday, June 28, and Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Service on June 30, 2026.

The Service said torrential rains, fires, structural incidents, and flooding affected parts of Accra, Tema, and surrounding communities during the period, prompting continuous deployment of firefighters and rescue teams.

"From Sunday, June 28 to Tuesday, June 30, 2026, firefighters and rescuers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) remained on high alert, responding to multiple fire, flood and rescue emergencies across Accra, Tema and surrounding communities," it noted.

According to the GNFS, a total of 479 people were safely evacuated through coordinated operations involving partner emergency agencies.

12 Dead, 150 Rescued: GNFS gives breakdown of June 29 flood tragedy

"Over 479 persons were safely rescued or evacuated, while four flood-related deaths and one fire-related death were confirmed, bringing total fatalities to five; one person was injured, 12 building collapse survivors were recorded, and one person remains missing," it stated.

The GNFS said emergency operations began on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with firefighters containing two fires in Accra without casualties.

The first occurred at Lartebiokorshie, where personnel from the Industrial Area Fire Station responded to a domestic fire at about 8:31 am.

"Later at Labadi Kojo Sardine, firefighters from the Trade Fair Fire Station contained a commercial fire at 12:49 p.m., bringing it under control by 1:17 pm. The blaze damaged a metal container and its contents. Preliminary investigations suggest an overcharged solar panel battery may have caused the fire", the statement said.

It further indicated that on June 29, 2026, firefighters responded to a structural emergency at Tabora No. 6 in Accra after a four-storey building collapsed.

"A four-storey building collapsed. Fortunately, all 12 occupants evacuated safely before the collapse, and no injuries were recorded", GNFS noted.

By early Tuesday, June 30, 2026, rescue operations were concluded in the Adabraka–Odawna corridor, one of the worst-hit flood areas.

More than 300 people were rescued there alone, while four people, three males and one female, died in the floods.

The GNFS said although several structures were affected, firefighters prevented further damage during fire incidents, including a market fire where no casualties were recorded.

The Service commended its personnel and partner agencies for their professionalism and resilience in responding to the emergencies and protecting lives and property.

See the full statement below:

GNFS RESPONDS TO FIRES, FLOODS AND STRUCTURAL EMERGENCIES; OVER 470 RESCUED, 5 DEAD

From Sunday, June 28 to Tuesday, June 30, 2026, firefighters and rescuers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) remained on high alert, responding to multiple fire, flood and rescue emergencies across Accra, Tema and surrounding communities.

SUNDAY, JUNE 28, 2026

GNFS successfully contained two separate fires in Accra without injuries or fatalities.

At Lartebiokorshie, firefighters from the Industrial Area Fire Station responded to a domestic fire at 8:31 a.m., brought it under control by 8:56 a.m., and fully extinguished it at 9:29 a.m. One room and its contents were destroyed, while a room and hall were salvaged.

Later at Labadi Kojo Sardine, firefighters from the Trade Fair Fire Station responded to a commercial fire at 12:49 p.m. and contained it by 1:17 p.m. The blaze partially damaged a metal container and its contents. Preliminary investigations indicate that an overcharged solar panel battery may have caused the fire.

Meanwhile, at Asutuare Junction, four (4) fire tenders responded to a burning fuel tanker. The fire was brought under control at 6:03 a.m. and fully extinguished by 6:30 a.m. The tanker and its contents were completely destroyed. One person sustained injuries and was conveyed to hospital, while one fatality was recorded. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2026

Following torrential rains, GNFS led and supported several flood rescue operations.

At Tse-Ado Last Stop, Accra, a joint operation involving GNFS, the Ghana Police Service (Marine Police), NADMO, and the Ghana Army rescued 105 people, comprising 40 women, 20 men, and 45 children and moved them to safety.

Across the Tema Region, firefighters responded to 23 emergency incidents within a 24-hour period, including 6 fire outbreaks, 8 flood-related incidents, and 7 fallen-tree cases. Rescue teams saved 12 persons trapped by floodwaters and assisted more than 50 residents to safety at Tema Newtown. One (1) female trader was reported missing after being swept away by floodwaters near the Tema Community 1 Market.

At Tabora No. 6, Accra, a four-storey building collapsed. Fortunately, all 12 occupants evacuated safely before the collapse, and no injuries were recorded.

TUESDAY, JUNE 30, 2026

At 2:30 a.m., GNFS had completed extensive flood rescue operations within the Adabraka–Odawna corridor, rescuing over 300 people from floodwaters. Sadly, four (4) persons, comprising three (3) males and one (1) female, lost their lives.

Firefighters also fully extinguished a major fire at the Odawna Rubber Market near Nkrumah Circle. While several structures were damaged, adjoining properties were successfully protected, and no casualties were recorded. A fire appliance remains on standby to respond to any possible re-ignition.

SUMMARY

Total persons rescued/safely evacuated: Over 479

Flood-related deaths confirmed: 4

Fire-related death: 1

Total deaths: 5

Persons injured: 1

Building collapse survivors: 12

Missing person reported: 1

The GNFS commends its firefighters, rescuers, and partner agencies for their dedication, professionalism, and resilience in protecting lives and property during this challenging period. Investigations into the various fire incidents remain ongoing

JKB/VPO

Watch President Mahama conduct aerial inspection of flood hit areas in Accra after heavy rains