A tragic incident struck Freetown on the afternoon of September 16, 2024, when a four-story building collapsed along Shell Bai Bureh Road, east of the city.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, rescuing two children alive from the rubble, although they sustained injuries. However, many more, including women and children, remain trapped, according to unconfirmed reports, sparking a massive rescue effort.
Freetown’s Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, currently out of the city, expressed her deep sorrow over the disaster.
In a social media post, she shared her thoughts: “My heart goes out to everyone affected by the collapse of a 4-story building along the Shell-Richard Allen axis on Bai Bureh Road. In my absence, the Deputy Mayor, the FCC Disaster Risk Management Officer, and Councillors in the area are joining other emergency responders at the scene.”
She added that the Freetown City Council (FCC) is “mobilizing heavy machinery and personnel to support NDMA in the rescue effort.”
While the exact cause of the collapse is still under investigation, early reports suggest that structural weaknesses and the use of substandard building materials, including iron rods, may have contributed to the disaster.
This incident has reignited public concern over the quality of construction materials in the country, with many calling for stricter regulations and oversight in the construction industry.
As the rescue operation continues, the Mayor reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to supporting ongoing efforts, ensuring that all available resources are deployed to aid those affected.
