Rescue efforts are underway in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, following the collapse of a seven-storey building that has claimed at least 10 lives.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reported that seven individuals have been pulled from the rubble on Shell New Road, but many others remain trapped.
Some trapped victims have managed to communicate their locations to rescuers, offering hope as the search continues. The building, which collapsed between 11:00 and 12:00 local time on Monday, was used for both residential and commercial purposes, according to the NDMA.
Among the confirmed victims are two girls and a boy, all under the age of five.
Earlier rescue efforts relied on picks and bare hands, but two cranes have since been brought in to aid in clearing the debris. Mohamed Camara, a local resident, broke down in tears as he revealed that his wife and three children are still trapped.
The cause of the collapse is currently under investigation. NDMA’s head, Brima Sesay, highlighted the dangers of using unqualified contractors and substandard materials, urging the public to be more cautious. He emphasized the importance of ongoing vulnerability assessments to reduce the frequency of such tragic incidents in the country.
Sierra Leone, one of the world’s poorest nations, faces frequent issues with building safety due to the use of inferior construction materials.
