Accra, Ghana – A tragic building collapse in Accra’s North Industrial Area at Avenor on Sunday morning has claimed the life of Esther Donkor, a 40-year-old trader and mother of four. The three-storey structure crumbled unexpectedly, prompting a swift but ultimately somber rescue operation that confirmed two fatalities and left two individuals in critical condition.
Tragedy Strikes in Avenor
The incident occurred Sunday morning in the bustling North Industrial Area of Avenor, a densely populated commercial and residential hub in Accra. The collapsed building, a three-storey structure, was reportedly occupied for both living and business purposes.
Esther Donkor, one of the confirmed deceased, was identified by her ex-husband, Ernest Korbah. He recounted hearing the devastating news on Monday, learning of his ex-wife’s presence in the ill-fated building through a phone call from their daughter’s friend.
Mr. Korbah was en route to the Kaneshie Police station for official identification procedures when neighbours confirmed his ex-wife was among those trapped. “She was living in the building that collapsed on Sunday,” he told Graphic Online’s Caleb Vanderpuye at the scene.
Rescue Efforts Under Difficult Conditions
A joint team of emergency responders, including personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, National Ambulance Service, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), immediately converged on the scene.
Their search and rescue operation, which lasted throughout the day, involved combing through the debris for any signs of survivors. The operation was hampered by intermittent rainfall.
Two survivors, found in critical condition, were transported to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital for urgent medical attention. The rescue team deployed both heavy earth-moving equipment and manual methods to clear concrete slabs and twisted metal obstructing their access to those potentially trapped beneath.
Due to the unstable nature of the remaining structure and the significant danger it posed, emergency personnel made the difficult decision to bring down the precarious sections of the building to ensure the safety of the rescue teams and the surrounding area.
Eyewitness Accounts and Pre-existing Conditions
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang just before sections of the building began to crumble without warning. This sudden collapse triggered panic among residents and traders operating in the vicinity.
It was also noted that the collapsed building was connected to an adjacent two-storey residential structure, raising questions about the structural integrity of the entire complex and its potential impact on neighbouring properties.
Broader Safety Concerns
The Avenor building collapse casts a spotlight on building safety regulations and enforcement within Accra’s rapidly developing urban landscape. The incident underscores the potential risks associated with older structures or those built without strict adherence to modern safety standards.
Local authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the cause of the collapse, examining factors such as construction quality, maintenance, and adherence to building codes. The findings will be crucial in preventing future tragedies.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus remains on supporting the families affected by this devastating event and ensuring the injured receive adequate care. In the longer term, this incident is likely to prompt a re-evaluation of building inspections and regulatory oversight across Accra. Residents and business owners will be watching closely for any new measures introduced to enhance structural safety and prevent similar catastrophic failures in the future.
Leave a Reply