By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
A pregnant woman was the sole fatality recorded after a two-storey apartment building collapsed near Da Yesu Ase Supermarket at Adenta Newsite during a heavy downpour on Thursday evening.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that it has completed a search and rescue operation at the scene following the incident, which occurred after a storm triggered the structural collapse.
According to the Service, a distress call was received at 6:36 pm, prompting the rapid deployment of rescue teams from the National Headquarters, supported by personnel from the Legon and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.
Five occupants, comprising three adults and two children, were trapped beneath the rubble when the building gave way.
The victims were identified as Margaret Kpeli, believed to be in her late 30s and pregnant; Fred Atagba; Solomon; and two children, Seyeram Dzigda and David Dzigda.
Through a coordinated rescue operation involving fire officers and supporting agencies, four occupants were rescued alive with injuries and rushed to the 37 Military Hospital for treatment.
A dog trapped in the collapsed structure was also rescued during the operation.
However, Margaret Kpeli was later retrieved from the rubble unconscious and was subsequently pronounced dead.
The GNFS said the search and rescue operation was concluded at 10:54 pm on Thursday night after several hours of intensive efforts.
Community members also played a key role in the early stages of the rescue, assisting emergency teams in pulling victims from the debris and salvaging personal belongings.
The incident has triggered renewed concern over building safety standards in rapidly developing areas such as Adenta, with authorities expected to investigate the cause of the collapse and assess compliance with approved construction regulations.
Officials say further inspections and enforcement actions may follow as part of efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
