The collapsed structure
A mason, who was part of several people working on the Legon Mall Extension, died on Monday morning after he jumped from the sixth floor of the building in an attempt to avoid a falling beam.
Six other workers, comprising masons and labourers, who also jumped in the process, also sustained various degrees of injury, and are currently receiving treatment at the Legon Hospital.
The deceased, identified as Marvelous, a Sierra Leonean, died instantly after he fell from the sixth floor, according to the police.
Eyewitness account indicated that the incident occurred around 11:10 am on Monday.
The eyewitness said the workers suddenly realized that a beam from the sixth floor was falling.
The eyewitness said some of the workers jumped to avert the beam.
“Marvelous was among those who jumped but unfortunately he hit his head hard on a debris and died instantly,” the eyewitness narrated.
Two of the injured persons, who were in critical condition, were rushed to the Korle- Bu Teaching Hospital for further treatment.
The eyewitnesses said the police and personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were later called to the scene.
Deputy Superintendent Of Police (DSP) Effia Tenge, when contacted, said the police received distress call about the incident at Legon Mall at about 11:30am Monday.
When personnel from the Legon Police got to the scene, the injured persons, together with the body of the deceased, had been conveyed to the Legon Hospital.
When police personnel got to Legon hospital, they were informed that two persons, who were in critical condition, had been transported to the Korle-Bu hospital for further medical attention.
She said Marvelous was pronounced dead by doctors upon arrival at the health facility.
“Police have since conveyed the body of the deceased to the Police Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.”
She added that two of the injured persons gave their statements to the police.
“We have also invited the contractors working on the building and manager of the property to assist in our investigations,” she added.
Meanwhile, the accident scene has been cordoned off in order not to obstruct investigations.
(lindatenyah@gmail.com)
By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey