Fatal Collapse of Unfinished Building in Accra
Three individuals, comprising two women and one man, have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a three-storey building being used as a church during a service in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on Sunday.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak reported that 20 others, predominantly women and children, were rescued and are currently receiving medical treatment in various hospitals. He indicated there was a "90-95% certainty" that no further victims remain trapped within the debris.
Emergency Response and Search Efforts
Emergency teams conducted search operations throughout the night under floodlights, diligently working to locate any victims within the collapsed structure.
The cause of the collapse, which occurred following heavy rainfall, remains undetermined. The Interior Minister confirmed that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Background of the Building and Community Concerns
The building, part of a school located in Accra's New Town area, had been unfinished for several years yet was being utilized for church services, according to local residents.
"It's a very sad day for all of us," Mohammed-Mubarak stated.
The Minister acknowledged the difficulty in ascertaining the exact number of individuals present inside the building at the time of the collapse and praised the emergency responders for their swift action and rescue efforts throughout the night.
The national fire service shared images on X depicting workers at the site amid a restless crowd gathered around the scene.
Eyewitness Accounts
A businessman operating opposite the collapsed building, Amadi Mohamed Afiz, recounted his experience to the BBC. He described hearing noises behind him and turning to witness the building collapsing.
"There was dust, I couldn't see anything from the back," Afiz said. "I then heard people shouting from inside the building and called police, who arrived at the scene afterwards."
Other eyewitnesses characterized the incomplete building as poorly constructed and lacking significant maintenance since the commencement of construction.
"Everybody in the community knows the building is very weak, yet they allowed services and activities inside," an eyewitness remarked.
Afiz added, "The building had looked like it could fall anytime."
Ongoing Operations and Broader Implications
Search operations continue to verify if any additional worshippers remain inside, while debris removal efforts are underway.
The incident has reignited discussions regarding the structural integrity of certain buildings within Ghana. It also serves as a reminder of the 2012 collapse of a multi-storey shopping centre, which was attributed to poor construction practices.
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