Ghana department store collapses in Accra

A multi-storey department store has collapsed in Ghana's capital, Accra, with many people believed to be trapped inside.

Rescue efforts are under way, with police and fire personnel trying to pull people out of the rubble.

The BBC's Sammy Darko reports from the scene that he has seen one person rescued.

Other reports say three people died when the Melcom store collapsed before it was due to open.

Accra's mayor, Alfred Oko Vanderpuye, is reportedly at the scene with rescue workers who are trying to clear the rubble.

"I was very close to the mall because I was going to buy something only for me to see the building coming down," resident Ama Okyere told the AFP news agency.

"I had to run for my life. I was so terrified. I believe there are lots of people trapped under this because this is a heavily patronised shopping mall in the area."

Our reporter says it is feared that up to 200 staff could be trapped.

The building collapsed about 15 minutes before it was due to open for business, he adds.

In a tweet moments after the building collapsed, Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama said: "My prayers are with the workers, shoppers and others who are trapped in the rubble of the Achimota Melcom building."

Source: BBC
YouTube Video Link >>here<<

Update: 17/11/2012

I yanked the below uploaded Radio Show from Youtube. Watch it >>here<<

Fast forward to 13.48 [minutes ] into the talk..

This is the dialogue that took place. Coordinator: ...the Chinese ...they donated the mobile...the mobile...ow do you call that one Presenter:...escavator? coordinator:...no..no ermm ...ermm ermm ...the thing that lifts Presenter: crane? Coordinator: yes

wow! Now this is The Deputy National Coordinator for Disaster relief