A devastating late-night fire has razed more than 300 shops at the Suame Post Office Market in the Ashanti Region, leaving traders counting their losses and residents in shock.

The blaze, which started around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26, spread rapidly after over 30 gas cylinders exploded, intensifying the inferno. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Eyewitnesses say they could only watch helplessly as their goods and properties went up in flames. Some nearby residents rushed to the scene and forced open shops in an attempt to salvage items before the fire reached them.