The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has officially concluded the search and rescue operations following the catastrophic collapse of a four-storey building under construction at No. 41 Main Motor Road, Congo Town, on August 12, 2024.
The tragic incident, which occurred around 1:30 pm, triggered an immediate and extensive emergency response.
Initial investigations point to a combination of poor construction design and the use of substandard building materials as the cause of the collapse. The building, owned by Mr. Abdulai Boi Jalloh, crumbled in what the NDMA described as “a preventable disaster.”
The NDMA, in collaboration with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Freetown City Council (FCC), the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), and other emergency agencies, spearheaded a rigorous three-day search and rescue mission. The operation also received crucial support from community volunteers and stakeholders.
“A total of four construction workers were rescued from the rubble,” the NDMA confirmed in a statement. “Tragically, one worker was found deceased at the scene, and another succumbed to injuries after being rushed to the hospital.”
The two surviving victims, who sustained injuries, are currently receiving medical care, with the NDMA and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation overseeing their treatment. In addition to the human toll, the collapse destroyed five vehicles parked on the ground floor, which had been used as a garage. These vehicles have since been removed from the site.
The NDMA extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.
“We urge all citizens to adhere strictly to construction regulations,” the agency emphasized, “and to ensure that only qualified engineers and quality materials are used to prevent such tragedies in the future.”
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the affected families and pledged to implement the lessons learned from this incident to enhance public safety.
