Uganda: at least 22 survivors rescued after church building collapses
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on The Observer
The collapse of a four-storey building under construction in Bwerenga, in Uganda’s Wakiso District, left at least 22 survivors rescued and taken to hospital. Rescue workers continued their search on Monday evening, while residents demanded access to the site, The Observer reports.
At least 22 people were rescued after a four-storey building under construction collapsed on Monday evening in Bwerenga, Katabi Town Council, Wakiso District, the Ugandan police told The Observer. The survivors were taken to Entebbe Grade B Hospital, while rescue workers searched for any other victims beneath the rubble.
The building was an extension of Holy City Church, owned by Ronnie Makabai, known as “Brother”. Workers were at the site when it collapsed. Another worker, David Mulindwa, said 15 of his close colleagues were there, while Alan Muganda estimated that more than 30 workers could have been on site.
Police, rescue services and the Uganda People's Defence Force continued the search, using excavators brought from the United Nations headquarters in Entebbe. Teams from the Uganda Red Cross were also due to take part in the operation. Residents, who said they could hear calls from beneath the rubble, clashed with security forces as they tried to enter the site. Police said the area had been cordoned off to preserve the scene for investigators.
The collapse came a day after an announcement about a church construction site collapsing in Uganda, published on 26 October.
