The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has provided an update on the ongoing rescue efforts following the collapse of a seven-storey building at Shell New Road, now in its sixth day.
Total Number of People Recovered: 23
Fatalities: 15 victims have been confirmed dead:
– 5 adult males
– 4 adult females
– 2 girls under the age of 5
– 2 boys under the age of 5
– 1 boy below the age of 10
– 1 teenage girl
Survivors: 8 people were rescued from the site:
– 3 adult males
– 2 adult females
– 2 boys under the age of 5
– 1 teenage girl
Of the survivors, 5 who had been receiving treatment at Rokupa Hospital have been discharged. Three others remain under medical care at Choithram Hospital.
Trapped Victims:
Rescue teams are still searching for two missing childrenโa 4-year-old child reported by his father and a 1-year-old child believed to be trapped under the rubble, according to eyewitnesses. Their status remains unknown.
The NDMA, in coordination with Honourable Princes Kadie Daramy, engaged with local residents whose properties were marked for demolition to give excavators better access to the site. The demolition has been completed, and excavation is now proceeding from ground level.
There have been no further recoveries of victims from the rubble on the 20th and 21st of September.
Dr. Mathew Wilson Kamara visited the site and was briefed by NDMA Director General Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay on the ongoing rescue efforts.
The NDMA expressed gratitude to its partners, particularly the Executive Director of the National Protected Area Authority (NPAA), Thomas Kamara, for his consistent support. Contributions from the Gento Group of Companies, Marampa Mines, and Sierra Rutile Limited, including personnel, machinery, and fuel, have been critical in sustaining the rescue operations.
