By Patrick N. Mensah, Maryland County
At least seven persons are confirmed dead and several others are said to be critical condition from the collapse of a two-storey residential building in Pleebo, Maryland County Electoral district#2 on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
The incident occurred during evening hours while a group of Muslim women, predominantly Fulani, had gathered in the building for a reception to welcome a fellow Muslim, who returned from performing the annual hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The building was constructed in the 60s with cement bricks, but contains wooded floors that have depreciated, according to sources.
According to reports, the gathering brought together 31 persons out of which seven (7) were pronounced dead, including six females and a minor.
Three other persons are in critical condition and have been transferred to the J. J. Dossen Referral Hospital in Harper City, Maryland while the rest are admitted at the Pleebo Health Center, receiving medication.
Speaking to reporters on the scene, Pleebo Police Commander J. Max Roberts, described the situation as ‘quite unfortunate,’ expressing sadness over the matter.
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Commander Roberts cautioned residents, who had gone to witness the situation to leave the scene, noting that the entire building is no longer safe for citizens.
“It’s just unfortunate and worrisome to see these things happening now though we have urged all of our citizens to be patient as we launch investigation into the matter because it’s totally embarrassing”, the Pleebo police commander said.
For his part, Dr. Shadrach Gono of the Pleebo Health Center said, the center admitted a total of 31 persons following the incident but seven persons died upon arrival, while 21 others are currently responding to medical treatments at the Pleebo Health Center in Pleebo Sodoken district.
He expresses regret over the situation, pointing out that this is his first time to have experienced such situation since he was assigned at the facility in January 2023.
Doctor Gono assured that the center will do everything possible to treat those taken there.
However, Pleebo District#2 Representative and Speaker of the House, Bhofal Chambers, including citizens regretted the incident and called on fellow Liberians to keep the bereaved families in their daily prayers.
Meanwhile, the NEW DAWN tried contacting the head of the Muslim community in the district, who has promised to speak to the press today, Tuesday, October 3, following burial ceremonies on Monday. Editing by Jonathan Browne
