Adenta Horror: Building Collapse Claims Life, Arrest Warrant Issued for Negligent Owner

Published 5 hours ago3 minute read
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Pelumi Ilesanmi
Adenta Horror: Building Collapse Claims Life, Arrest Warrant Issued for Negligent Owner

A multi-storey residential building collapsed at Adenta New Site, near Da Yesu Ase Supermarket in the Greater Accra Region, on Wednesday evening following heavy rainfall. The tragic incident resulted in the death of 35-year-old Margaret Kpeli, a mother of three, and left several others injured. Margaret's sister, Georgina Robinson, recounted the heartbreaking details, stating that Margaret died while trying to shield her children from the collapsing structure.

Margaret Kpeli and her three children – two boys aged 13 and 8, and a four-year-old girl – were among five occupants trapped beneath the rubble. Other trapped victims identified were Fred Atagba, Solomon, Seyeram Dzigda, and David Dzigda. All four rescued victims sustained various injuries and were transported to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment. In a rare moment amidst the tragedy, a dog also trapped in the debris was successfully rescued.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) received a distress call at 6:36 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, and immediately deployed rescue teams from its National Headquarters, supported by personnel from Legon and Abelemkpe Fire Stations. Collaborative efforts, including the Ghana Police Service, medical teams, and assisting residents who performed initial rescues, led to the successful extraction of four individuals. However, Margaret Kpeli was retrieved from beneath the rubble in an unconscious state after hours of intensive operations, and was later confirmed dead after being handed over to the Adenta District Police for preservation and further investigation. The rescue operation officially concluded at 10:54 p.m. on Thursday.

In response to the tragedy, Ibrahim Fuseini Faila, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for La Nkwantanang–Madina, has intensified the Assembly's crackdown on unauthorised developments. The MCE disclosed that the developer of the collapsed building would be arrested for allegedly defying a stop-work order issued by the Assembly about a year ago. The developer had reportedly been granted approval for a single-storey structure but proceeded to construct beyond the approved plans.

The MCE emphasized that the Assembly would not relent in its efforts to tackle illegal developments, stressing the importance of adhering to planning regulations to protect lives and property. He revealed that the Assembly had already begun demolishing several illegal structures, particularly those erected on waterways and in flood-prone areas, weeks prior to the building collapse. The incident, he noted, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of planning regulations across the country. The developer is expected to be surcharged for all costs incurred in clearing the debris and any other expenses by the Assembly, as authorities continue investigations into the cause of the collapse.

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