A building collapse in Ghana's capital kills three during a church service, prompting rescue efforts and scrutiny of structural safety.
Three people, including two women and one man, died when a three-storey unfinished building collapsed during a church service in Accra, Ghana, on Sunday. The incident occurred in the New Town area, where the structure was part of a school and had remained incomplete for several years despite being used for gatherings.
Rescue and Response Efforts
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak reported that emergency teams rescued 20 others, mostly women and children, who are receiving treatment in hospitals. He stated there is 90-95% certainty that no more individuals are trapped, based on assessments from various sources including ambulance services.
Rescue operations continued through the night under floodlights, with workers searching the rubble for any remaining victims. The Ghana National Fire Service shared images on social media showing the scene, where an agitated crowd gathered as responders cleared debris.
Eyewitnesses described the building as poorly constructed and weak, noting it had not undergone major maintenance since construction began. They reported hearing trapped individuals calling for help from under the rubble, highlighting community awareness of the structure's risks.
The collapse happened after heavy rain, but the exact cause remains unknown as investigations proceed. This event has drawn attention to building safety in Ghana, recalling the 2012 multi-storey shopping center collapse attributed to poor construction.
Operations to fully clear the site and confirm no additional victims are ongoing, with officials commending the rapid response of emergency teams. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the structural integrity of unfinished buildings in the country.
