Freetown, July 22nd, 2024 – Following yesterday’s heavy downpour, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) received a report at approximately 11:30 PM regarding the collapse of a four-story building located at No. 132 Haja Sonnie Drive, SS Camp IMATT. NDMA officers were promptly deployed to the scene to assist with rescue efforts.
The NDMA also alerted the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), who arrived with an excavator to enhance the search and rescue operations, with the help of community volunteers. They were joined by the Sierra Leone Police, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, and the Office of National Security (ONS) to locate and assist survivors.
Initial assessments revealed that the building had been abandoned and had changed ownership three times in recent years due to its poor construction, visible cracks, and the significant risk it posed. Neighbors identified one Binta Barrie as the current owner of the property.
A caretaker family of eight, including three children, four adult males, and one adult female, was residing in the house. Tragically, the 19-year-old female adult, Kadiatu Koroma, who was four months pregnant, lost her life, and her body has been recovered from the rubble. With support from the community as first responders, three male adults were rescued last night, and two were also rescued this morning from the rubble. All five rescued individuals are currently receiving medical treatment, while it is believed that two more people (children) remain trapped beneath the debris.
The NDMA will continue to mobilize additional response agencies to support the ongoing search and rescue efforts, prioritizing the safe recovery of the trapped individuals and providing necessary aid to those who have been rescued. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The NDMA urges residents within the community to stay clear of the area to facilitate the swift and unhindered operations of the rescue teams. Our thoughts are with the affected families during this difficult time.
