Two dead in building collapse at North Industrial Area

A building collapse at Accra’s North Industrial Area has left two people dead and sparked an intensive rescue operation as emergency responders search for additional victims believed to be trapped beneath the rubble.

The structure gave way at around 4:25 a.m. on Sunday, June 7, prompting a coordinated response from the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armed Forces. Rescue personnel have remained at the site throughout the day, working to reach individuals who may still be buried under the debris.

Speaking at the scene, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey confirmed that one person had lost their life in the incident.

He noted that rescue efforts were ongoing and expressed hope that those trapped could be reached as quickly as possible.

Rescuers recorded an early breakthrough when they successfully extricated one survivor from the collapsed structure. The victim was rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention. Authorities have yet to provide further details on the person’s health status.

Search-and-rescue teams from the Circle Fire Station and the GNFS Headquarters have been leading operations with the support of specialised tools and equipment. Excavators and other heavy machinery are being used to clear concrete blocks, steel reinforcements, and other wreckage that continue to hamper access to parts of the collapsed building.

For safety reasons, security personnel have sealed off the surrounding area while engineers assess the condition of the remaining structure. Officials fear additional sections could become unstable, posing a risk to rescuers and bystanders.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a thunderous noise before sunrise and rushed outside to find the building reduced to rubble. Some residents joined initial efforts to assist rescue workers before emergency services fully mobilised.

The tragedy follows another fatal building collapse in Adenta earlier this week, renewing calls for stricter enforcement of building standards and safety regulations.

Investigators are expected to determine the cause of the collapse after rescue operations conclude and the site is declared safe for examination.