The Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) in Sierra Leone is Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay said (NDMA) has been actively involved in overseeing disaster management efforts, including the recent flood mitigation plans and other emergency response initiatives throughout the country Mr. Sesay has confirmed the death of a 19-year-old pregnant woman following the collapse of a four-story building at SS Camp, Regent, Freetown. The tragic incident occurred late Sunday night, and ongoing search and rescue operations are in progress for two children believed to be trapped under the rubble.
The rescue teams have successfully pulled five male adults from the collapsed structure. The building, located at No. 132 Haja Sonnie Drive, SS Camp IMATT, was home to a family of eight. The collapse was triggered by heavy rainfall, and the NDMA received the report around 11:30 PM, swiftly deploying officers to the scene.
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) responded with an excavator to assist in the rescue efforts, working alongside community volunteers, the Sierra Leone Police, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, and the Office of National Security (ONS).
Initial assessments revealed that the building had been abandoned and had changed ownership three times due to poor construction and visible cracks, posing significant risks. Neighbors identified Binta Barrie as the current owner. A caretaker family, including three children, four adult males, and one adult female, was living in the house at the time of the collapse.
Tragically, 19-year-old Kadiatu Koroma, who was four months pregnant, lost her life in the collapse. Her body has been recovered. With community help, three male adults were rescued last night, and two more were rescued this morning. All five survivors are receiving medical treatment, while efforts continue to locate the two missing children.
The NDMA is coordinating with additional response agencies to support the ongoing rescue operations, aiming for the safe recovery of those trapped and providing aid to the survivors. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
The NDMA is leading the response efforts, working closely with various agencies to ensure that all necessary resources are available for the rescue operations. This tragic event underscores the importance of adhering to building codes and ensuring structural integrity, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall and other environmental risks.
The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the collapse to prevent similar incidents in the future and to hold accountable those responsible for the substandard construction practices that led to this disaster.
The community is mourning the loss of young Kadiatu Koroma and hopes for the safe recovery of the missing children. The NDMA and other involved agencies are committed to providing the necessary support to the affected family and ensuring such tragedies are averted in the future through stricter enforcement of building regulations and more rigorous inspection processes.