Douala, Cameroon – In a devastating incident that has shocked the nation, a four-storey building collapsed in Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, early on Sunday morning, leaving at least 12 people dead and five others injured. The catastrophic collapse occurred when the building fell onto another residential block in the Ange Raphael neighborhood, leaving rescue teams scrambling to search the rubble for survivors.
The exact number of people inside the ill-fated building at the time of the collapse remains uncertain, making the rescue operation a challenging and emotional task for the teams involved. Distraught neighbors recount hearing screams from beneath the debris and immediately rushed to help dig out those trapped. Among the emergency responders are teams from Cameroon’s fire brigade, the Red Cross, and various other rescue services, all working tirelessly to save lives.
Cameroon’s regional governor, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, offered reassurances to the public, asserting that the situation is under control and that every effort is being made to ensure no one is left buried beneath the wreckage.
As the rescue operation continues, three children and ten adults are currently receiving emergency care at the nearby Laquintinie Hospital, as reported by AFP. Tragically, a three-year-old girl who was brought to the hospital did not survive her injuries.
The cause of the building’s collapse remains unknown, but residents in the area have shared their concerns about its dilapidated condition, suggesting that it may have played a role in the disaster. It is worth noting that the collapsed building was not among those earmarked for demolition by city authorities, who have been actively demolishing homes considered at risk of flooding or landslides.
Building collapses are, unfortunately, not uncommon in Cameroon, and this incident is reminiscent of a tragedy that struck Douala in 2016. Back then, a dilapidated building that flouted construction regulations also collapsed, claiming the lives of five people.
As the search and rescue operation continues at the site of the recent collapse, authorities will undoubtedly investigate the cause of the disaster and assess whether any preventive measures could have been taken. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of enforcing building safety regulations to protect lives and prevent such tragic events in the future.
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