MBALE CITY : A late-night building collapse in Namakwekwe Estate, Mbale City, has left at least six people injured and three others trapped beneath the rubble, prompting an urgent multi-agency rescue operation.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. when the fifth floor of a residential structure gave way, causing a partial collapse. Emergency services were alerted shortly after, with the Uganda Red Cross Society receiving a distress call via its toll-free line at 2:17 a.m.
Within minutes, Red Cross ambulance teams, working in coordination with police and local volunteers, arrived at the scene. First responders immediately began administering life-saving first aid, evacuating the injured, and organizing search-and-rescue efforts amid the unstable debris.
Rescue teams remain on-site, racing against time to reach the three individuals still believed to be trapped. Efforts are ongoing as responders await the arrival of heavy excavation equipment necessary to safely access deeper sections of the collapsed structure.
Despite the challenging conditions, authorities have praised the rapid response and collaboration between emergency personnel and community members, whose efforts have been critical in the early stages of the rescue.
Officials say updates will be provided as the situation develops. Meanwhile, thoughts remain with the victims and their families as the operation continues.
