Death Toll Rises Amidst Second Day of Rescue Efforts

The death toll has risen after a second day of rescue efforts following the collapse of the seven story building at Shell New Road, East Freetown yesterday. One more body was recovered, bringing the total to nine victims, including both adults and children. 

The number of survivors has also risen to seven, with one more rescued from the previous day. Two are in critical condition and receiving advanced medical care.

The spokesperson for the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Mohamed L. Bah says more people are still trapped under the rubble but rescue efforts are hindered by the building’s location on what is described as a steep slope. 

Government’s Response to Incident 

President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Maada Bio announced that the government will “launch a full-scale inquiry into this disaster” and take measures to prevent future incidents. 

Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, present on the second day of rescue operations, reiterated the same sentiment. 

The NDMA has been leading the rescue effort. Their spokesman Bah says they acknowledge the challenges in power structures and administration that may have contributed to the collapse but sees this as an opportunity for improved cooperation amongst the agencies involved.

Background of the Collapse

On Monday September 16 2024, a seven story building collapsed at Shell New Road East of the capital claiming nine lives so far. 

There have been survivors but reports from the NDMA says more people are trapped under the rubble. Building collapse has been frequent in the last couple of months and the government is promising to take action for the first time. 

 In August, a building in Congo Town, on the west side of Freetown, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and injuries to two others. Just weeks before that, another four-story building collapsed, claiming at least three lives.

STORY WRITTEN BY: IBRAHEEM MANSARAY