A church building in Bwerenga, Wakiso District, Uganda, collapsed on Monday, October 26, resulting in one death and 25 injuries. The deceased, identified as Francis Lukwago, was a builder at the construction site of Holy City Church, Brother Ronnie's Ministries. Police and emergency teams responded quickly to the scene, rescuing 25 adult men from the debris.
The survivors were taken to various hospitals, including Kisubi Hospital and Entebbe Great Bay Hospital, for treatment. According to Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, rescue operations are ongoing to determine if anyone else is trapped beneath the rubble. The site has been treated as a crime scene, and investigations are underway to establish the cause of the collapse.
Kisubi Hospital reported receiving 13 patients injured in the collapse, with two discharged and 11 admitted for treatment. One patient was in critical condition, receiving intensive care from a team of specialists. The hospital appealed to the public and media to give the victims and their families privacy as they undergo treatment and recovery.
Brother Ronnie Ministries issued a statement acknowledging the collapse and expressing sympathy to the victims and their families. The ministry is working with police and other authorities to establish the cause of the incident. They appealed to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation while investigations continued.
Police have not yet announced any findings from their investigations into the cause of the building collapse. Authorities have asked the public to give emergency responders room to work as they establish the full circumstances of the incident. The immediate concern for the families of those at the construction site remains the recovery of the injured and confirmation that everyone has been accounted for.
The incident has raised concerns about building safety and construction standards in Uganda. The government and relevant authorities may need to investigate and review building regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, the focus remains on the rescue operation and providing support to the affected individuals and families.
The search and rescue operation is ongoing, with emergency teams working tirelessly to determine if anyone else is trapped beneath the debris. The public has been urged to remain calm and allow emergency personnel to carry out their work without interference. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to building codes and regulations.
Key points
- One person died and 25 others were injured in the church building collapse in Bwerenga, Uganda.
- Rescue operations are ongoing to determine if anyone else is trapped beneath the rubble.
- The cause of the building collapse remains unknown, and investigations are underway.
