- Collapsed building claims lives, injures dozens
- Samia directs swift rescue, prays for calmness
- Security organs, wananchi join forces in rescue operations
DAR ES SALAAM: BUSINESS came to a standstill yesterday when a four-storey building collapsed at Kariakoo Market, causing panic among businesspeople and customers .
The building, located at the junction of Congo and Mchikichini Streets in the heart of Tanzania’s bustling business hub, housed various shops, including clothing stores.
Immediately after the tragic news broke out, President Samia Suluhu Hassan issued directives to Dar es Salaam regional authorities, the Police Force, the Fire and Rescue Force, the Management of Muhimbili National Hospital and the Disaster Management Department to do everything possible to ensure the success of the rescue operation and medical care for the injured.
“I am saddened to receive the news of the accident involving the collapse of a multi-storey building at Kariakoo Ward, Ilala District, Dar es Salaam Region,” said the Head of State.
She added: “As the rescue operations continue, we pray to Almighty God for the swift recovery of the injured, let us also pray for peace and patience for the families, friends and fellow Tanzanians whose livelihoods depend on this important commercial area in our country and who, in various ways, have been affected by this accident.”
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa visited the scene earlier yesterday and witnessed the rescue efforts. “My fellow citizens, I have come to assess the ongoing rescue efforts and to convey condolences on behalf of President Samia. I also thank the citizens for your effective participation since this incident occurred,” he said.
The Premier also visited the accident victims who were receiving treatment at the Muhimbili National Hospital. By late evening yesterday, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila said a total of 70 people had been rescued and four confirmed dead.
He detailed that of the 70 people who were admitted at MNH, Amana Regional Hospital and Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, 63 were discharged with seven still undergoing treatment.
The Regional Commissioner said that rescue operations were ongoing and updates would be provided as the situation unfolded.
According to the RC, the authorities were concentrating on rescue operation and that the causes and evaluation of the tragedy would be given upon completion of the exercise.
Eyewitnesses told “Sunday News” on Saturday that as business owners began opening their shops around 8:30 am, the building started to crumble slowly and later collapsed completely causing injuries and deaths.
“We were getting ready to open our businesses when we noticed the building was slowly sinking, it didn’t collapse all at once. Some people ran out in panic, while others were still inside, which only heightened the chaos,” explained Mr Kabila Juma, a business owner in Kariakoo.
Another eyewitness, Mr Jackson Mayunga, noted, “This building is one of the oldest structures in this street. It started collapsing in the morning, we have been informed that there was renovation and expansion of the underground area and I fear this may have caused the collapse.”
The scene caused panic as hundreds of observers, with some climbing nearby buildings for a better view to witness.
Various rescue units, including the Fire and Rescue Force, the Police Force, within 30 to 45 minutes after the incident arrived, before the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) joined the rescue operation.
“It took almost 30 to 45 minutes for the fire and rescue teams and the police to arrive at the scene,” said one of the eyewitnesses, Mr Salumu Nelucha.
The rescue teams began operations, supplying oxygen gas tubes to those trapped under the rubble to assist them with fresh air.
Earlier, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Muliro Jumanne said that the rescue operation was progressing well, with the wounded being rushed to Muhimbili National Hospital for treatment.
“The operation is going well and the government has provided equipment and experts to ensure effective measures are in place to save those trapped inside,” he said.
SACP Muliro also assured that police officers were deployed to enhance safety and security for properties, warning potential criminals that they would face repercussions.
Minister for Industry and Trade Dr Seleman Jafo said the accident is a major disaster for businesspeople and sympathised with the Kariakoo business community.
He urged Tanzanians to continue cooperating during the rescue efforts. “The main thing is to work together because people are still trapped inside. The government is committed to ensuring that everyone is being rescued,” said Dr Jafo.
He further emphasised that the primary focus remains on rescue operations, followed by a government assessment to determine the full extent of the losses incurred
. Ilala District Fire and Rescue Force Acting Commander , Chrispin Rabiuzima, noted that while the collapse of buildings is often considered natural disaster, that particular building had been repurposed from residential to commercial use, violating capacity standards, which may have contributed to its collapse.
He called on building owners, contractors and relevant authorities to adhere to proper building standards to prevent unnecessary disasters.
