According to Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, the rescue effort at the site of the three-storey structure collapse at Accra New Town is still ongoing, and three people have died as a result.
The incident happened on a Sunday at an unfinished building that is part of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School complex, which is also used by Christian worshippers. The most recent official update puts the death toll at three, despite the initial reports that there were just two fatalities.
Emergency crews worked throughout the night under floodlights to rescue victims caught beneath the debris as rescue efforts increased. The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the National Ambulance Service, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana National Fire Service have all sent staff to the crash site. The minister emphasised at the site that before releasing the casualty statistics, the authorities had taken further measures to confirm them.
“So far, information has been cross-checked and double-checked with all the hospitals visited, just to be sure that we don’t give any information that may be far away from the fact,” he stated. Although he admitted it was hard to know exactly how many people were in the structure when it fell, he said that integrated data from emergency response agencies has provided clarity.
With the help of the cross-check from the police and National Ambulance Service, at least, it is very hard for you to know how many people were in there, as we all know,” he said. He expressed his appreciation for the work of the emergency personnel during the night.
“The ambulance service and their crew have been here all night, and they’ve done an outstanding job. We are very thankful. ‘My sincere gratitude to the media and all those I have overlooked mentioning,’ he said. The minister disclosed that 23 individuals were engaged in the incident, according to a verified breakdown.
“The total number of people was 23,” is all we can say. Regrettably, we’ve lost three—a male and two girls. He said, “They are unable to tell names for the time being.” He further stated that the surviving victims are being treated at various medical institutions. He said, “And thank God, 20 are alive in various hospitals – the Police Hospital, Mamobi, and a private facility.” Additionally, the interior minister disclosed that a large proportion of those impacted are women and children.
“The 23 include 14 women and 8 men. There are no minors among those who have died, but there are seven in total, he said. At the same time, amid worries that more people may still be trapped, rescue teams are still sifting through the wreckage.
According to authorities, the urgency of the ongoing operation is highlighted by the fact that some victims were previously heard screaming for assistance from under the debris.
The reason for the fall of the building still remains unknown.
Source: myjoyonline.com
