CITI FM (Ghana), AFP (France)
A multi-story shopping complex has collapsed in the Ghanaian capital Accra Wednesday morning.
Ghanaian public radio Citi FM reports that at least six people have been rescued. Reports suggest there could be as many as 200 people trapped inside, with many feared dead. There have been three reported deaths so far.
Rescue efforts are underway, with workers attempting to clear the rubble and provide oxygen masks to survivors. The Mayor of Accra Alfred Oko Vanderpuye has also arrived on the scene to aid the workers.
"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 patronized shopping mall in the area."
It is unclear why the Melcom shopping complex, in Accra's northern Achimota neighborhood, has collapsed.
This is pathetic, so pathetic..very disappointing...is this the Ghana we live in? I'm sure Melcom isn't the only inferior building in Ghana.
— Joselyn Dumas (@Joselyn_Dumas) November 7, 2012
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama quickly announced he would suspend his campaign schedule, in the run up to the national elections next month.
My prayers are with the workers, shoppers and others who are trapped in the rubble of the collapsed Achimota Melcom building.
— John Dramani Mahama (@JDMahama) November 7, 2012
