Update on Melcom disaster: Over 70 people rescued, five dead

Update on Melcom disaster: Over 70 people rescued, five dead

Over 70 people have so far been pulled out of the rubble from the collapsed Melcom building at Achimota.

The accident which occurred Wednesday has claimed at least five lives and injured many more.

Rescuers worked throughout the night to find more survivors under the rubble. It’s not clear when the operation will be over but officials believe it could take some days.

Joy FM’s Elton John Brobbey, reporting from the scene, said a woman who was rescued Thursday morning died shortly and was identified by her husband.

He said the rescue team has created an opening on top of the rubble from where they enter to pull out the victims. “What is making the work difficult is the fact that they are not aware of the number of people trapped inside,” Elton said.

Meanwhile an 18-man team from Israel will arrive in the country today to help with the rescue effort.

A statement from the Presidency said the Israeli team will be working in close collaboration with the detachment from the Field Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Army currently at the site.