NEWS

Tragic Building Collapse in Asokwa Claims One Life and Highlights Safety Oversights

A tragic building collapse in Sokoban Wood Village, located in the Asokwa Municipality, occurred on October 20, 2024, resulting in the death of one person and leaving four others severely injured. This incident has exposed significant deficiencies in emergency response capabilities and the oversight of building safety regulations in the area.

An eyewitness, Mr. Boadi, a local contractor, shared with Onua FM that the tools available for cutting through the collapsed iron rods were blunt, severely hampering the rescue efforts for those trapped under the debris. He lamented, “If there were any chance to save the man who died, the faulty equipment would have hindered it. We had to resort to using jack saws, and even then, the machines designed to break the concrete failed, forcing local residents to assist in the rescue.” This statement underscores the dire consequences of relying on inadequate tools in critical situations.

The collapse occurred in a building that had reportedly been neglected for many years. Mr. Boadi raised concerns about the structure’s integrity, stating, “This structure was never meant to continue development. The foundation is weak, and the cement work has long expired.” He also revealed that the building had recently changed ownership, yet no repairs or reinforcements were made to ensure its safety.

This incident has ignited serious questions regarding safety inspection protocols in the Asokwa Municipality. Critics argue that the local assembly’s inspections focus primarily on permit verification, neglecting the crucial need for thorough structural assessments to guarantee safety. Mr. Boadi emphasized, “If structural engineers were involved in the inspection process, they would have identified the risks associated with this building.”

The collapse not only resulted in one fatality from falling debris but also highlighted the urgent need for improvements in building safety oversight. The injured individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Notably, the owner of the building was not present at the time of the incident and remains unharmed.

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