Additional Coverage:
Three Dead, Dozens Injured After Unfinished Building Used as Church Collapses in Accra
Accra, Ghana – A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday when an unfinished three-story building in Ghana’s capital city collapsed during a church service, resulting in three fatalities and injuring 20 others. The structure, described by witnesses as incomplete and poorly maintained, gave way following heavy rain, though officials are still investigating the exact cause.
Local residents revealed that the building was originally part of a school project that had never been completed. Despite this, it had been repurposed for religious services and community activities for some time. The collapse has raised serious concerns about safety and the use of unstable structures for public gatherings.
Ghana’s Interior Minister, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, expressed his condolences and sorrow during a visit to the site. “It’s a very sad day for all of us,” he said. The minister also noted that warnings about the building’s condition had been raised earlier that day.
Authorities confirmed that among the deceased were one man and two women. The injured-comprising men, women, and children-were promptly taken to local hospitals for treatment. Emergency responders, including police and military personnel, continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
Eyewitnesses emphasized the known risks associated with the building. “Everybody in the community knows the building is very weak, yet they allowed services and activities inside,” one witness told the BBC.
The tragedy highlights ongoing challenges regarding construction standards and public safety in the area, particularly when unfinished or unsafe structures are used for communal purposes. Officials urge caution and adherence to safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.