A multi-storey department store has collapsed in Ghana’s capital,
Accra, with many people believed to be trapped inside.
Rescue efforts
are under way, with reports that least three people have been killed.
The BBC’s Sammy Darko, who is at the scene of the Melcom store collapse, says he has seen one person rescued.
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama said he has suspended his electoral campaign for next month’s poll.
Accra’s mayor, Alfred Oko Vanderpuye, is reportedly at the scene in
the Achimota neighbourhood of Accra with rescue workers who are trying
to clear the rubble.
“I was very close to the mall because I was going to buy something
only for me to see the building coming down,” resident Ama Okyere told
the AFP news agency.
“I had to run for my life. I was so terrified. I believe there are
lots of people trapped under this because this is a heavily patronised
shopping mall in the area.”
Our reporter says it is feared that up to 200 people could be trapped.
President Mahama tweeted a statement moments after the building collapsed saying: “My prayers are with the workers, shoppers and others who are
trapped in the rubble of the Achimota Melcom building.”
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