GNFS completes rescue operation at collapsed Adenta building, retrieves four alive, one dead

One person has died while four others, including two children, were rescued after a building collapsed at Adenta Newsite in the Greater Accra Region during Wednesday evening's heavy rainfall.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said it completed a search and rescue operation at 10:54 p.m. following the collapse of a two-storey apartment building near Da Yesu Ase Supermarket.

The incident, which occurred on June 3, trapped five occupants beneath the rubble, prompting an emergency response involving personnel from the GNFS National Headquarters, the Legon Fire Station and the Abelemkpe Fire Station.

"The Service received a distress call at 1836 hours, 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," the GNFS said in a statement issued on Thursday, June 4.

According to the statement, the trapped 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; and David Dzigda.

The GNFS said a coordinated operation led to the successful rescue of Fred Atagba, Solomon, Seyeram Dzigda and David Dzigda, who were pulled from the rubble alive but with injuries.

They were subsequently transported to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment.

A dog trapped in the collapsed structure was also rescued alive.

The Service noted that after intensive rescue efforts, Margaret Kpeli was retrieved from beneath the debris in an unconscious state and handed over to the Adenta District Police for preservation and further investigations.

"Through a coordinated search and rescue operation, four (4) occupants namely Fred Atagba, Solomon, Seyeram Dzigda, and David Dzigda were rescued alive with injuries and conveyed to the 37 Military Hospital for medical treatment," the statement noted.

The cause of the building collapse, however, remains unknown with ongoing investigations expected to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.

The GNFS commended residents who assisted in the initial rescue efforts and expressed appreciation to personnel from the Ghana Police Service, medical teams and other supporting agencies for their collaboration throughout the operation.