(Dar es Salaam) – A five-story commercial building in Kariakoo, located at the intersection of Congo and Mchikichi streets, collapsed early Saturday morning, November 16, 2024, leaving several people feared trapped under the rubble. Rescue operations, led by the police, the Fire and Rescue Service, and volunteers, are ongoing as authorities work to save lives.
Witnesses reported that the building, which housed multiple shops, began to shake around 3:05 a.m. before it crumbled entirely. At the time of the incident, construction workers were reportedly modifying the structure to expand the retail space. One witness, Harrison Shayo, described the scene: “We heard loud tremors, and suddenly, the entire building collapsed. People inside couldn’t escape in time.”
Efforts by rescue teams have so far led to the retrieval of over ten survivors, according to Ibrahim Mussa, a rescue worker on-site. “I was able to help some people near the stairs by pulling them out,” he explained, though he added that conditions within the rubble were challenging due to poor air quality.
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila arrived at the scene alongside the regional security committee. He confirmed that injured survivors had been transported to Muhimbili National Hospital for treatment but noted that official figures on casualties and fatalities would be provided later.
Professor Mohamed Janabi, Executive Director of Muhimbili National Hospital, and Deputy Speaker Mussa Zungu were also present at the site, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The collapse has drawn a massive crowd to the area, including residents, business owners, and onlookers, complicating rescue operations. Police Commander Jumanne Muliro emphasized the need for the public to stay clear of the site to allow rescue teams to operate efficiently.
In an emotional scene, cheers erupted each time a survivor was pulled from the debris, while cries of despair accompanied the discovery of personal belongings scattered across the ground.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to those affected and issued directives for immediate and comprehensive rescue efforts. “I have instructed the regional leadership, police, fire services, Muhimbili National Hospital, and the Disaster Management Department to do everything possible to aid in the rescue and provide care for the injured,” she wrote on Instagram.
The tragedy has disrupted operations in one of Dar es Salaam’s busiest commercial hubs, with over 90% of the building’s occupants being traders. President Samia called for prayers for the victims and urged the public to remain calm during this difficult time.
The cause of the collapse remains unclear, though preliminary reports suggest that structural modifications may have contributed to the incident. Authorities have promised a full investigation once rescue operations conclude.
Below is an outline of the rescue progress as of 11 a.m:
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 3:05 a.m. | Building Collapses | Five-story building falls in Kariakoo |
| 4:00 a.m. | Rescue Operations Begin | Fire and rescue teams deployed |
| 6:00 a.m. | Survivors Found | Over ten survivors pulled from rubble |
| 11:00 a.m. | Official Presence | Regional Commissioner, hospital officials on-site |
Rescue efforts are expected to continue throughout the day as authorities work to ensure no one is left behind.