One trapped as building collapse at Kasoa New Market

A routine renovation project at Kasoa New Market in the Central Region turned tragic on Saturday, October 11, when an old building collapsed, trapping one construction worker under the rubble.

Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) are leading an intense rescue operation with support from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Ghana Police Service.

According to eyewitnesses, the building, believed to be decades old, was being renovated after the owner decided to add a summer hut and strengthen its weakened structure with concrete pillars. However, during the ongoing construction, the structure suddenly caved in, causing chaos among workers and residents in the area.

Four masons were said to be working on the site at the time of the incident. Three managed to escape uninjured, but one worker was trapped beneath heavy debris. Nearby residents rushed to the scene as screams for help echoed from the collapsed structure. Emergency services were quickly called to respond.

Firefighters arrived promptly, cordoned off the area, and began carefully digging through the rubble using specialized tools to reach the trapped victim. A GNFS official on-site confirmed that the rescue operation was being conducted with extreme caution. “The structure is unstable, and any wrong move could trigger another collapse. Our team is working strategically to retrieve the trapped individual safely,” the officer said.

NADMO officials and police personnel are assisting with the operation, ensuring that onlookers maintain a safe distance to allow rescue teams to work effectively. The scene has since attracted a large crowd, with residents anxiously watching as emergency responders continue their efforts.

Preliminary reports suggest that the collapse may have been caused by the structure’s age and possible foundational weakness, worsened by the ongoing renovation work. Municipal engineers are expected to visit the site to conduct a technical assessment and determine the exact cause of the disaster.

As of press time, the rescue effort was still ongoing, with hopes that the trapped worker would be found alive.