Two persons have perished as a result of the collapse of an unfinished multi-story building at Accra New Town, according to Michael Kpakpo Allotey, Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). Rescue attempts are intensifying to save others who may be trapped beneath the wreckage.
According to Mr. Allotey, emergency crews are racing against time to find more survivors, and at least 14 individuals have been rescued from the wreckage thus far.
The building, which was inside the grounds of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School, unexpectedly collapsed on Sunday, 29 March, following a strong downpour.
At the time of the collapse, the structure was apparently still under construction and utilised by Christian worshippers on Sundays.
Since then, emergency services from the Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organization, and Ghana National Fire Service have assumed control of the situation and are using floodlights and specialised equipment to continue rescue efforts after dark.
Authorities say several people may still be trapped, with reports that some victims could be heard calling for help from beneath the wreckage, heightening the urgency of the ongoing operation.
Residents and onlookers conducted preliminary rescue operations prior to the arrival of emergency personnel, removing victims from the collapsed structure with their bare hands and crude equipment.
While security forces have roped off the area to make it easier for rescue teams to work, several of the injured have been taken to neighbouring medical institutions for treatment.
Officials say that after rescue efforts are over, investigations will begin to determine the cause of the collapse, which is still unknown.
In the hopes of rescuing more survivors from the wreckage, rescue personnel have promised to work through the night.
Source: newsthemegh.com