Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save those still trapped beneath the rubble of a collapsed building in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s commercial hub.
The death toll has now reached 16, with hopes dwindling for others still trapped inside.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa confirmed that rescue operations are ongoing and that communication with some of the trapped victims has been established.
“We are hearing their voices as we work to free them,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of the operation. So far, 86 individuals have been rescued from the site.
The four-story building, located in Dar es Salaam’s bustling Kariakoo market, collapsed early on Saturday.
The cause remains uncertain, but witnesses reported that construction work to expand its underground space began just a day prior.
As rescue efforts continue, Majaliwa announced the formation of a specialized team to inspect other high-rise buildings in the area.
This tragedy has reignited concerns about the safety of construction practices in Dar es Salaam, where rapid urban development has outpaced regulation.
Dar es Salaam, one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, has witnessed a real estate boom in recent years.
However, this disaster calls into question the integrity of some of the city’s hastily constructed buildings.
In 2013, a similar tragedy struck when a 16-story building collapsed, claiming 34 lives.
Authorities are now under increasing pressure to address the issue of unregulated construction as the city continues to grow.
