Two Dead, Several Trapped After Building Collapse at Accra New Town

At least two people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of an uncompleted multi-storey building at Accra New Town, with rescue teams racing against time to save others feared trapped beneath the rubble.

The Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, confirmed the fatalities and disclosed that at least 14 individuals have been rescued so far. Emergency operations continued into the night as responders worked to locate additional survivors.

The incident occurred on March 29 following a heavy rainstorm, when the structure—situated within the premises of the Accra New Town Experimental Basic School—collapsed unexpectedly. The building, which was still under construction, was reportedly being used by Christian worshippers at the time.

Personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the National Disaster Management Organisation, and the Ghana National Fire Service have taken charge of rescue efforts, deploying floodlights and specialised equipment to sustain operations after dark.

Authorities say there are indications that more victims may still be trapped, with reports suggesting that some individuals could be heard calling for help from beneath the debris. This has intensified the urgency of the ongoing rescue mission.

Before the arrival of emergency services, residents and bystanders initiated rescue efforts, using basic tools and their bare hands to pull survivors from the wreckage. Several injured persons have since been transported to nearby health facilities for treatment.

The cause of the collapse is yet to be determined, with officials indicating that a full investigation will commence once rescue operations are completed.