Tragedy struck in Sewua, Ashanti region, on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, when a two-story building under construction collapsed, claiming the life of a mason. The deceased, identified as Kwaku Gyemfi, was in his early forties and was the lead constructor at the site.
Eyewitnesses reported that Kwaku Gyemfi was working with his assistant, an 18-year-old, when the incident occurred. The duo was tasked with constructing new pillars to support some collapsing ones and parts of the building that had developed cracks.
According to eyewitnesses, Kwaku Gyemfi’s assistant alerted him that part of the building was falling in his direction, but unfortunately, he was trapped and couldn’t escape. The building collapsed on him, resulting in his untimely death.
The building, owned by Kwaku Gyemfi’s brother-in-law, had initially been started by another contractor before being transferred to the deceased to complete. Eyewitnesses revealed that the building had been showing signs of structural weakness, with cracks visible on the walls.
Despite efforts to salvage the situation, the building collapsed, trapping Kwaku Gyemfi underneath the rubble. His assistant was fortunate to escape unhurt. Prince Kwame Adutwum, the assembly member of the area, confirmed that the body had been retrieved and deposited at the morgue. He expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and promised to support them in these difficult times.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of construction sites in the area. Many have called for stricter safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. An investigation into the cause of the collapse has been launched, and authorities have promised to take action against anyone found responsible.
The family of Kwaku Gyemfi is still reeling from the shock of his sudden death. They have appealed for support and assistance during this difficult period. As the community mourns the loss of Kwaku Gyemfi, many are left to wonder how such a tragedy could have occurred. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety on construction sites.
