Eleven people have been confirmed dead and seven others injured following the collapse of a building under construction in Touba, central Senegal. The tragedy unfolded Sunday afternoon and was confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Social Action on Monday.
The incomplete three-storey structure gave way suddenly, trapping workers and bystanders. Emergency teams mobilized quickly, with the injured rushed to Cheikh Ahmadoul Khadim Hospital and Matlaboul Fawzaini Hospital for medical care. Two remain in critical condition.
Authorities say the collapse was preventable. According to Senegal’s National Director of Construction, Moussa Tine, the structure failed due to a disregard for basic building regulations. He cited serious lapses in safety compliance at the site, underscoring the urgent need for tighter enforcement of construction standards.
The incident adds to growing concerns about construction safety in Senegal’s urban centres. Touba, the country’s second-largest city, has seen rapid urban expansion driven by population growth and economic development. But that growth has exposed weaknesses in oversight, with recurring building collapses highlighting the risks of unchecked construction.
Earlier this month, two people died in Dakar’s Ngor district when another building collapsed. The back-to-back incidents have intensified pressure on authorities to act.
Residents in Touba voiced frustration over the repeated failures to uphold safety rules, urging the government to crack down on unsafe projects and unregulated builders. Officials have promised a full investigation and pledged support for the victims’ families.
As Senegal moves to expand its infrastructure, this latest disaster serves as a stark reminder of the costs of neglecting safety in pursuit of development.