Rescue efforts are ongoing in Tanzania as teams persist in their search for survivors amid the debris of a collapsed building for a second consecutive day on Sunday.
John Masunga, the fire brigade chief, reported that the search and rescue efforts were significantly hindered by the numerous walls within the building’s structure but efforts are still in high gear.
Hundreds of first responders tirelessly worked for hours, using sledgehammers and their hands to clear away of the massive pile of rubble
Heavy lifting equipment, including cranes, was subsequently deployed to assist in the operation.
Authorities remain hopeful of finding individuals trapped beneath the rubble.
According to reports, the four-story structure collapsed at approximately 9:00 am (0600 GMT) on November 15, 2024 in the bustling Kariakoo market, located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital of the country.
So far five fatalities have been confirmed as a result of the incident, while at least 70 individuals have been successfully rescued from the site.
Without disclosing the exact number, Albert Chalamila, the Dar es Salaam’s regional commissioner, said that additional individuals remain trapped in the basement of the collapsed building.
He stated that they are just in contact with hope that they will be brought out alive.
The cause of the commercial building’s collapse remains unclear; however, witnesses informed local media that construction aimed at expanding its underground business area commenced just days prior.
This tragic event has reignited concerns regarding the lack of regulation in construction practices within the bustling Indian Ocean city, home to over five million residents.
Dar es Salaam, one of the fastest-growing cities globally, has experienced a rapid property boom, with buildings rising quickly and often without proper adherence to safety regulations. This is not the first incident of its kind; in 2013, a 16-story building in the city collapsed, resulting in the loss of 34 lives.
