Personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at the Abura Dunkwa Fire Station have successfully retrieved a man who became trapped in a well at Asokwa, a community near the District Assembly in Abura Dunkwa in the Central Region.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, June 10, 2026, prompting an emergency response from the fire service after a distress call was received at approximately 7:10 a.m.
According to the GNFS, the report indicated that a person had become trapped inside a well and required immediate rescue assistance.
In response, a seven-member rescue team led by Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO II) Louis Afful was dispatched to the scene.
The team arrived at the location at about 7:55 a.m. and was later reinforced by ADO I Jeffery Ampiah and Station Officer I (SO I) Morgan to support the rescue operation.
The victim, identified as Kwesi Salifu, believed to be in his thirties, was reportedly working as a mason inside the well when the incident occurred.
Preliminary information gathered from eyewitnesses and the owner of the site, Mr. Henry Duker, indicated that the victim experienced breathing difficulties while carrying out work underground.
The challenges were reportedly caused by inadequate oxygen levels within the confined space of the well.
Witnesses said Salifu attempted to climb out after feeling unwell but became overwhelmed by the lack of oxygen.
He subsequently lost consciousness and fell back into the well, leaving him trapped and in urgent need of rescue.
Upon arrival, the GNFS rescue team swiftly assessed the situation and commenced operations to retrieve the victim.
Through coordinated rescue efforts, firefighters successfully brought him out of the well.
Following the retrieval, the victim was handed over to officers of the Ghana Police Service for further action and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The successful operation highlights the critical role of the Ghana National Fire Service in responding to emergencies beyond firefighting, including technical rescue operations involving confined spaces and hazardous environments.
Authorities have meanwhile urged workers and contractors engaged in well construction and maintenance activities to observe strict safety measures, particularly when working in confined spaces where oxygen levels may pose serious health risks.
By 1960news.com
