Freetown, Sierra Leone – Eight people have been confirmed dead following the collapse of a seven-story building at 57 Bai Bureh Road, Shell New Road, on Monday, 16th September 2024, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
The victims include three adult males, two adult females, two girls under the age of five, and one boy under five.
In a statement issued this evening, NDMA noted that they received the emergency call between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. and responded swiftly, rescuing six survivors from the rubble. However, several others remain trapped beneath the debris, with some reportedly able to communicate their locations to rescue teams.
The building, owned by Bailor Barrie, a non-resident of Sierra Leone, served both residential and commercial purposes.
Rescue efforts, coordinated by the NDMA, Freetown City Council (FCC), and other partners, continue with the aid of two private cranes secured to assist in clearing the debris.
NDMA Director General Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, who has been on-site since the incident occurred, stressed the need for increased public awareness about the dangers of using unqualified contractors and substandard materials. He also reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to conducting vulnerability assessments to prevent future collapses.
Further updates will be provided as rescue operations continue.
May piece of Allah be up on them all