Rescuers are working tirelessly to reach survivors trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The death toll from the tragic incident has climbed to 16, with fears that more casualties may be discovered as the rescue operation continues.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa confirmed that communication has been established with some of the trapped individuals, offering a glimmer of hope.
As of now, 86 people have been successfully rescued.
The four-story building, located in the bustling Kariakoo market, collapsed early Saturday morning.
While the exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation, witnesses have reported that construction work to expand the building’s underground business space commenced the day before the incident.
This unfortunate event has reignited concerns about the lack of regulation in the construction industry within Dar es Salaam, a city experiencing rapid urbanization and a surge in high-rise development.
In 2013, a similar tragedy occurred in the city when a 16-story building collapsed, resulting in the loss of 34 lives.
The government has pledged to conduct thorough inspections of high-rise buildings in the area to prevent future disasters.