By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, March 29, 2025: A building collapsed at Cemetery Junction on Congress Road, leaving one person dead and four others injured.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:15 PM at No. 4 Congress Road. It involved a one-storey structure housing a daycare center on the upper floor and a residential dwelling below.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) reported that the collapse took place during a home rehearsal for a Thanksgiving Service by the men’s union of the Blessed Assurance International Bible Church. Sadly, one member, Saio Kamara, lost his life and was transported to the Rokupa Mortuary. Among the injured, two individuals have already been discharged from medical care, while two others in critical condition have been transferred to Connaught Hospital for further treatment.
The NDMA, under the leadership of its Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, dispatched a rapid response team to assess the situation. The team successfully evacuated all occupants from the affected structure and deployed two security personnel to maintain order in the area. Local residents have been urged to remain calm as investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.
The NDMA has assured the public that it will closely monitoring the situation.
This unfortunate incident highlights the need for enhanced building safety measures and underscores the importance of disaster preparedness in urban settings.