A catastrophic building collapse in the heart of Harare’s central business district (CBD) has left four people feared dead, plunging Zimbabwe’s capital into mourning. The incident unfolded on Saturday near the intersection of Chinhoyi Street and Bank Street, not far from the Chicken Slice fast-food outlet, a bustling area known for its lively streets and commercial activity.
While formal confirmation from the authorities is still pending, preliminary reports suggest that four individuals may have tragically lost their lives under the debris. The cause of the collapse remains under investigation, with no official statement yet released by the police or emergency services.
Speculation among the local population points to the recent heavy rainfall as a potential contributing factor, raising questions about the structural integrity of buildings in the area.
Eyewitnesses and social media users have been sharing their accounts and images of the aftermath, painting a picture of chaos and devastation. Among them, notable Zimbabwean influencer, King Solomon Zim, posted photographs on Facebook showing the extensive debris scattered across the road and the damage inflicted on nearby parked cars, hinting at the sudden and violent nature of the collapse.
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief and concern among Zimbabweans, with many taking to social media to express their condolences and fears about the safety of Harare’s aging infrastructure.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need for thorough inspections and maintenance to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.
BBC News Africa reached out to local authorities and disaster management officials for further comments, but responses were pending at the time of publication. Meanwhile, the community remains in shock, mourning the loss of life and calling for immediate action to ensure the safety of Harare’s residents and visitors alike.
As the city waits for more information, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of building safety regulations and the need for vigilance in the face of natural and man-made hazards.
Our thoughts are with the families of those affected during this difficult time, as the nation comes together to support one another and seek answers to the many questions left in the wake of this disaster.
