A building collapse in Accra on Sunday left several people trapped beneath debris, after a disused school structure being used for worship gave way during a church service, according to local witnesses.

The incident occurred around 1 p.m. in the Accra Newtown area, near Experimental Basic School. Eyewitnesses said congregants had gathered inside the aging structure, which had been repurposed as a makeshift church, when it suddenly collapsed.

Emergency responders, assisted by residents, launched rescue operations to  those trapped.

About eight people have been rescued, though authorities have yet to confirm the total number of those still trapped or injured.

Personnel from the police, the National Disaster Management Organisation and the fire service have taken control of rescue efforts and secured the area to mitigate further risk. Some victims remain trapped beneath the debris and could be heard calling out to attract the attention of rescuers.

Authorities said an investigation would be opened to determine the cause of the collapse, as concerns mount over the safety of older buildings and informal structures in the area.

Source:TheDotNews