Several residents were injured late Tuesday night after a building collapsed along Kissy Road in Freetown following heavy rainfall that swept through parts of the capital.
Reports from the scene indicate that the collapse caused extensive damage to at least two neighbouring houses, leaving affected families stranded and properties destroyed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were any fatalities as rescue and assessment operations continue in the area.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the structure suddenly gave way during the downpour, triggering panic among residents and forcing many people to flee for safety. Community members reportedly worked alongside emergency responders to assist victims and remove debris from the affected site.
The incident has once again raised concerns about structural safety, inadequate drainage systems, and the vulnerability of communities across Freetown during the rainy season.
Urban planners and environmental experts have repeatedly warned about the risks associated with unregulated construction, weakened infrastructure, and settlements in flood-prone areas, particularly as heavy rains continue to increase the threat of flooding and soil erosion in the city.
Authorities are expected to launch investigations into the cause of the collapse while also assessing nearby buildings for possible structural risks.
Images circulating from the scene show widespread destruction, with sections of the collapsed building scattered across adjacent properties as residents begin counting their losses in the aftermath of the disaster.
