I Survived by Grace: Security Guard Recounts Narrow Escape from Newtown Collapse | Discuss Ghana

On the morning of Monday, March 30, 2026, a security guard who was among the victims of the Accra Newtown Experimental School building collapse was discharged from the Police Hospital.

Visibly shaken but grateful, the survivor spoke to the media about his ordeal, describing his rescue as nothing short of a miracle.

"The Pillars Just Snapped": A Survivor’s Account

The security guard, who was stationed near the uncompleted four-storey building when it gave way on Sunday afternoon, shared the harrowing moments of the collapse:

The Moment of Impact: He described hearing a "loud, metallic crack" followed by the sound of snapping pillars as the heavy rainstorm battered the structure.

The "Grace" of Survival:

"Everything happened so fast. One moment I was trying to find cover from the rain, and the next, the world was coming down on me. I survived by grace; if I had been standing just two feet to the left, I wouldn't be here talking to you today." — Discharged Security Guard.

Trapped in the Dark: He recounted being pinned under lighter debris for several hours, listening to the muffled "faint cries" of worshippers from the makeshift church who were trapped deeper within the concrete.

---

Casualty and Recovery Update: March 30, 2026

Following the guard's discharge, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak provided a verified update on the remaining victims:

Status	Updated Count	Key Details
Confirmed Dead	3	1 male and 2 females.
Successfully Rescued	20	Including 7 minors who all survived.
Currently Hospitalized	19	At 37 Military, Police, and Mamobi Polyclinic.
Discharged Today	1	The security guard from the Police Hospital.

---

Investigation into the "Death Trap"

The guard’s account has added weight to the ongoing investigation into the 14-year-old abandoned project:

Known Weakness: Residents and the discharged guard both noted that the building was "very, very weak" and had been earmarked for demolition by the assembly long before the "National Reset" of infrastructure began.

Accountability: Minister Muntaka vowed that the forensic audit would determine why a "death trap" was allowed to remain standing on school grounds, promising that the state will take over the burial costs for the three deceased victims.

"He is lucky to be alive. We are monitoring the remaining 19 survivors closely, especially the five who were moved to the 37 Military Hospital earlier today." — Police Hospital Official.