The death toll from the building collapse in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on November 16 has climbed to 29, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
Tanzania Building Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 29
The death toll from the collapse of a four-story building in Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam's busy commercial center, has risen to 29, with nine more bodies recovered, according to a senior official. Chief Government Spokesperson Thobias Makoba announced the updated casualty figures during a media briefing in Kariakoo on Tuesday, offering condolences to the families of the victims. He stated that the confirmed number of deceased has increased to 29 and expressed hopes for the peaceful rest of the deceased.
On Tuesday, normalcy returned to the Kariakoo market, but two buildings adjacent to the collapsed structure remain closed pending evaluation. Makoba confirmed the conclusion of rescue operations and noted ongoing efforts to identify the newly recovered bodies using DNA technology. Families of the victims will be updated as soon as identification is completed. The number of injured remains unchanged.
The building, located in one of Dar es Salaam's busiest market areas, collapsed on the morning of November 16. A coordinated effort by local emergency services and volunteers rescued 88 people alive. While the swift response was commended, the incident has raised significant concerns about building safety and the enforcement of construction regulations in urban areas.
Makoba reiterated the government's determination to hold accountable those responsible for the collapse. The Kariakoo tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for stricter oversight in Tanzania's rapidly growing urban landscapes, drawing national and international attention to the issue.