- At least eight people, including young children, have died
- Rescue teams have recovered six individuals from the rubble
- The NDMA is urging for better building practices
In Sierra Leone, rescuers are still searching for survivors after a seven-story building fell in Freetown, resulting in at least eight fatalities.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reported that six individuals have been rescued from the debris on Shell New Road, though additional people remain trapped.
Some survivors have managed to communicate their locations to rescuers.
The building, which housed both residential and commercial spaces, collapsed between 11:00 and 12:00 local time (12:00 and 13:00 BST) on Monday.
Among the deceased are two girls and a boy, all under the age of five.
Rescue operations are being supported by two cranes, while earlier efforts involved rescuers using picks and their hands to clear the debris. Mohamed Camara, a local resident, was seen in distress, sharing that his wife and three children are trapped.
The cause of the collapse is still under investigation. NDMA head Brima Sesay highlighted the urgent need for increased public awareness about the dangers of using unqualified contractors and substandard materials.
He also emphasized the importance of vulnerability assessments to prevent future building collapses.
Sierra Leone’s ongoing challenges with poverty often lead to construction practices that involve inferior materials, exacerbating the risk of such tragedies.
