A 13-year-old girl, Doris Tawiah, a pupil in Junior High School (JHS) Year 1, tragically lost her life, following the collapse of an old building.
Two other victims sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
According to Emmanuel Oteng Perkoh, the Assembly Member for the Assin Endwa-Amoakrom Electoral Area, “The young girl was sent by her mother to collect money from a neighbour.”
He pointed out that, on her way, she encountered two friends who were unweaving their hair at the back of the dilapidated building and decided to join them in conversation.
“On her way, she encountered two friends unweaving their hair at the back of a dilapidated building and decided to join them in conversation. Tragically, the structure collapsed during this time,” he explained.
Mr. Perkoh revealed that the building exhibited visible cracks and signs of structural weakness.
Consequently, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant authorities had previously issued warnings to the occupants, advising them to vacate the premises in preparation for its demolition.
“However, these warnings were not heeded, leading to the unfortunate incident.”
All three victims were swiftly rushed to a nearby health centre but were later referred to St. Francis Xavier Hospital in Assin Fosu, where the 13 year old girl ultimately succumbed to her injuries.
The injured victims, one of whom sustained severe injuries, is currently receiving medical treatment, while the other, who suffered minor injuries, has been treated and discharged from the same hospital.
ASP Jacob Kumedzro, the Assin Fosu District Police Commander, confirmed the incident, stating that “the deceased’s body had been deposited at the mortuary pending further investigation.”
He also mentioned that the police are collaborating with NADMO to assess whether the remaining parts of the building should be demolished to prevent future tragedies.
