No fewer than seven people have been confirmed dead and several others injured after a building collapsed in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, President Macky Sall confirmed on Thursday morning.
A part of a residential building, which had been undergoing construction work, collapsed at 1:00 am (0100 GMT) on Wednesday, Martial Ndione, commander of the fire and rescue unit of the fire department, told reporters.
Africa Today News, New York understands that Dakar is experiencing rapid demographic and economic growth and has seen an explosion in construction in recent years, sometimes with little regulation and without official permits.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic collapse of a building in Xaar Yalla, causing seven deaths and serious injuries,” Sall posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he added.
Read Also: Niger: Senegal Backs ECOWAS In Case Of Military Resolve
Fire and rescue commander, Ndione, gave a provisional death toll of five and said that 12 others were injured.
Africa Today News, New York reports that in recent times, building collapses have become common in Africa. In July 2023, two buildings under construction collapsed in Guinea, killing five people.
Six people were also killed when a building collapsed in Ivory Coast in the same month.
Meanwhile, abuilding housing more than 500 rooms in Lagos‘ Ketu area has collapsed, with Saturday’s intense rainfall cited as the cause. Those injured are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
Yesterday, four adjacent two-storey buildings partially collapsed in Lagos State’s Kosofe Local Government Area at number 47/49 Oduntan Street. Among those affected, one person was hospitalised, while others sustained minor injuries.
It’s worth noting that this incident occurred in the afternoon, likely due to the effects of Saturday’s heavy rainfall, which might have played a role in the structural weakness.