Tragic Kodjonya Fire: Couple Perishes After Attempting to Treat Bedbugs with Petrol

A devastating domestic fire in Kodjonya, a suburb of Odumase-Krobo in the Eastern Region, has claimed the lives of a husband and wife following a tragic attempt to treat a bedbug infestation with petrol. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded to an emergency call in the early hours of the morning, but despite their efforts to control the blaze, they were unable to rescue the couple. The victims were reportedly burnt beyond recognition within their home, highlighting the extreme volatility of the substances involved and the speed with which the fire spread through the residence.

Preliminary investigations conducted by fire officials suggest that the inferno was ignited when petrol, which the couple was using as a makeshift pest control measure, came into contact with a naked electrical source. The situation was further exacerbated by the explosion of a domestic gas cylinder, which intensified the heat and flames. Crucially, the GNFS noted that the victims were trapped inside the building due to heavily reinforced burglar-proof bars on the windows and doors. These security measures barricaded the exits, preventing any possible escape for the couple or an effective rescue by neighbors and first responders during the critical first minutes of the fire.

While primary reports focus on the deceased couple, additional details from the scene indicate that a third person was rescued from the building with severe burns. This individual was rushed to the Akuse Government Hospital for emergency medical treatment and remains in critical condition. The remains of the deceased husband and wife have since been transported to a morgue for preservation and further investigation. The Ghana Police Service, in collaboration with the Fire Service, has launched a formal inquiry into the incident to confirm the sequence of events and ensure all safety protocols were considered.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Local Fire Commander and the GNFS have issued a stern warning to the Ghanaian public against the dangerous practice of using petrol or other highly flammable liquids for domestic pest control. Officials are advocating for the use of approved, professional methods for managing infestations and are urging homeowners to reconsider building designs. They emphasized the vital importance of incorporating alternative emergency exit points in residential structures, noting that while security bars offer protection against intruders, they can become a fatal trap during domestic emergencies such as this fire.