One dead, four rescued as two-storey building collapses at Adenta Newsite during heavy downpour

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have completed a search and rescue operation following the collapse of a two-storey apartment building near Da Yesu Ase Supermarket at Adenta Newsite during the heavy downpour on Thursday evening, with one fatality recorded.

The Service, in a statement, said it received a distress call at 6:36 pm, and rescue teams from National Headquarters, with support from personnel from the Legon and Abelemkpe Fire Stations, swiftly arrived at the scene to commence rescue operations.

Victims trapped

Five occupants, comprising three adults and two children, were trapped beneath the rubble when the building collapsed.

The victims were identified as Margaret Kpeli (believed to be in her late 30s), Fred Atagba (believed to be in his late 30s), Solomon, Seyeram Dzigda (child), and David Dzigda (child).

Rescue operation

Through a coordinated search and rescue operation, four occupants, Fred Atagba, Solomon, Seyeram Dzigda, and David Dzigda, were rescued alive with injuries and conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital for medical treatment. A dog that was also trapped in the collapsed structure was successfully rescued alive during the operation.

Fatality

Following intensive rescue efforts, the remaining victim, Margaret Kpeli, was retrieved from beneath the rubble in an unconscious state. She was subsequently handed over to the Adenta District Police for preservation and further investigation.

The search and rescue mission was successfully concluded at 22:54 hours on Thursday night.

The Ghana National Fire Service commended the swift efforts of community members who assisted in the initial rescue of trapped occupants and expressed appreciation to personnel from National Headquarters, Legon Fire Station, Abelemkpe Fire Station, the Ghana Police Service, medical personnel, and all supporting agencies whose collaboration contributed to the operation.