LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- At least 16 people have been killed and several more seriously injured in a building collapse in Cameroon’s business hub Douala, firefighters said.
The tragic incident which took place on Sunday, was said to have ended the life of a three-year-old girl, among others.
“We heard people screaming and struggled to help some out of the wreckage, but could not do it with our spades and (garden) hoes,” said Gaspard Ndoppo, a resident who lives close to the site of the collapse.
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Governor of the Littoral region, where the Douala is located, Dieudonne Ivaha Diboua, said the number of casualties could rise as rescue operations continue.
“The casualty figures may be higher,” said Mr. Diboua.
“Rescue workers, assisted by Cameroon government troops, are still digging the wreckage to see if more bodies can be recovered,” he added.
He further noted that Fire brigade personnel from the military have been ordered to join the country’s Red Cross and others in searching for survivors.