A building used for Quranic teaching, described as being in an advanced state of disrepair, partially collapsed overnight on October 3-4, 2026, in the Tabangoy neighborhood of Kaolack, Senegal. The incident occurred near the Oustaz Dièye mosque, just before midnight. The collapse resulted in one confirmed death and three people sustaining minor injuries. Emergency responders were quickly alerted and arrived at the scene to provide assistance.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that the R+2 building had partially collapsed. Three individuals with minor injuries were given immediate care before being transported to Kaolack Regional Hospital. A fourth person, identified as a Quranic teacher, was unaccounted for and believed to be trapped under the debris. An extensive rescue operation was launched to locate the missing individual, involving significant resources.
The rescue efforts, led by the Groupement d'incendie et de secours (GIS) No. 3, involved 43 firefighters and rescue personnel, as well as 11 military engineers. The operation utilized considerable equipment, including two ambulances, a rescue truck, a road rescue vehicle, and a rescue and excavation vehicle from Dakar. Despite these efforts, the missing teacher was unfortunately found deceased.
Lieutenant-Colonel Erasme Sambou, commander of GIS No. 3, provided details on the rescue operation. He mentioned that military engineering and local delegation resources were deployed to aid in debris removal and the search for the missing person. Sambou expressed concern over the recurrence of such incidents in Kaolack, highlighting the need for authorities to address buildings in a state of disrepair.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of buildings in Kaolack, particularly those in a state of disrepair. Lieutenant-Colonel Sambou emphasized the urgency of taking measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He called on authorities to take action against buildings that pose a risk to public safety.
The collapse has sparked a renewed focus on building safety and the need for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents. The local community and authorities are expected to review and address the issue of hazardous buildings. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining building safety standards.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse is expected to be conducted. Authorities will likely assess the building's condition and the circumstances leading to the collapse. The incident has prompted a review of building regulations and enforcement in Kaolack.
Key points
- One person died and three were injured in a building collapse in Kaolack, Senegal.
- The building, used for Quranic teaching, was in an advanced state of disrepair.
- Authorities have been urged to take action against buildings posing a risk to public safety.
