/ 15 August 2008

At least three die in Harare bar collapse

At least three people were killed and several injured when a wooden floor in a bar in Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, collapsed on Thursday evening.

Several dozen people were in Sidewalk Café, located near Zimbabwe’s Reserve Bank, when the accident occurred at about 9pm local time, witnesses said at the scene.

One patron who gave his name as Norman said the bar was full with revellers dancing and drinking beer that had just been slashed in price when he heard the sound of wood cracking and saw people fall through the floor.

”I’ve lost a friend I was drinking with. How can I go home now?” said Norman, who was unhurt but crying.

Three bodies were pulled from the debris by police. It was unclear whether they were crushed in a stampede or fell to their death.

Several other people were taken in private cars to hospital, some with head injuries.

Police had cordoned off the area and rescue workers were at the scene. — Sapa-dpa