By Kadiatu A. Turay

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) swiftly responded to the collapse of a five-storey building during a demolition operation in Freetown, leaving several injured and sparking public concern over safety protocols. The incident occurred on January 11, 2025, at Howe Street, Central Freetown, when the structure unexpectedly gave way, trapping workers and nearby residents under rubble.

According to eyewitnesses, the building was being demolished as part of a citywide urban renewal initiative. Midway through the process, the building collapsed, causing chaos and injuries. “We heard a loud noise, and within seconds, the building came down like a stack of cards,” recounted Mohamed Kamara, a shopkeeper near the site.

Emergency services, including the NDMA, police, and fire brigade, were immediately deployed to the scene. The NDMA Director General, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, expressed his condolences and vowed that a full investigation would be conducted. “This is a tragic incident. We are working to determine whether there was negligence or a failure to adhere to safety standards,” he stated.

The collapse took place in a densely populated commercial area, raising concerns about the safety of nearby buildings. Residents expressed fear about the stability of other aging structures in the vicinity.

The collapse occurred at approximately 2:30 PM during peak hours, exacerbating the potential for casualties.

Although the exact cause of the collapse is yet to be confirmed, preliminary reports suggest possible structural weaknesses and failure to follow standard demolition procedures. A member of the Sierra Leone Institution of Engineers, Dr. Fatmata Koroma, said, “Such incidents can be avoided if proper assessments are conducted before any demolition. Safety must always come first.”

The NDMA has launched an investigation into the incident, partnering with the Ministry of Works and Public Assets to review the demolition process. Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr emphasized the importance of stricter regulations. “This tragedy underscores the need for greater oversight in construction and demolition activities,” she said.

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Human rights activist Alhaji Mustapha Sesay criticized the lack of enforcement of building codes. “We’ve warned about unsafe demolitions before. This should serve as a wakeup call,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Red Cross has set up a temporary relief centre to assist affected families. “We are providing medical support and psychological counselling to those impacted,” said Red Cross representative, Hawa Bangura.

The NDMA has promised a transparent investigation and swift action against any parties found culpable. Meanwhile, calls for stricter building regulations and enhanced safety measures continue to grow.

This tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance in urban development projects.