On Christmas Eve, a tragic incident occurred in Dodoma when a church wall collapsed, claiming the lives of four people and injuring 17 others. The survivors of the accident shared their horrifying experiences as the tragedy unfolded.
According to reports, the collapse happened during a church service when the structure suddenly gave way. Amidst the chaos, people rushed to help the injured and assist those trapped under the rubble. The incident caused panic among the congregation and surrounding community members, many of whom were unable to comprehend what had just happened.
The tragedy resulted in the deaths of four people, while 17 others sustained injuries. Out of the 17 injured, two tragically succumbed to their wounds, while three others were treated and discharged from the hospital. The remaining 12 victims were rushed to the Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment for their injuries.
Survivors of the disaster described the moment of collapse as terrifying. One witness recalled hearing a loud crash followed by a cloud of dust as the church wall crumbled. Many were trapped beneath the debris, while others managed to escape with injuries. Local residents quickly joined the rescue efforts, pulling victims from the wreckage and helping to transport the injured to medical facilities.
“We couldn’t believe what was happening,” one survivor shared. “People were screaming, and there was so much dust and confusion. It was chaos, but I’m thankful I made it out alive.”
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the collapse. Early reports suggest that the structure may have been weakened by years of neglect or poor construction, though a full investigation is underway.
The church community is in shock, and local leaders have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims. Support for the survivors has also poured in from across the region, with many offering to assist in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
As of now, the hospital is handling the victims’ care, and emergency services are continuing to work in the area. The local government has promised a full investigation and support for those affected.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining public structures and ensuring safety, especially in places where large numbers of people gather. The community remains hopeful that this incident will lead to stronger safety regulations and a renewed focus on protecting lives in public spaces.