By Hassan Osman Kargbo
On June 1st 2025 a newly completed three-storey residential building has collapsed in the Pentagon Kamayama community, west of Freetown, killing two construction workers and injuring four others. The tragic incident occurred while construction was still underway, sending shockwaves throughout the local community.
According to preliminary reports from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the building came crashing down while the contractor and his team were working on-site. Six workers were inside the structure when it gave way.
Four of the workers managed to escape the wreckage with varying degrees of injury and are currently receiving medical attention. However, the contractor and one of his workers remained trapped beneath the debris. Both were later recovered from the rubble but were pronounced dead at the scene.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and desperation as distressed neighbours rushed to the site to assist. With limited tools, many used their bare hands in early attempts to free the trapped individuals before emergency services arrived.
“It was terrifying,” said Fatmata Sesay, a nearby resident. “We heard a loud crash, and when we came outside, the building was down. People started shouting, digging, trying to help.”
The NDMA quickly deployed its response team to coordinate official rescue efforts. Working in collaboration with engineers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and personnel from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the agency launched a full-scale search and rescue operation.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the collapse, but investigations are ongoing. The NDMA noted that more detailed structural assessments would be carried out once the site is fully cleared.
In response to the scale and urgency of the disaster, the NDMA reached out to private construction firms for assistance. Two prominent companies, Paviport and Gento Group of Companies, responded promptly by dispatching heavy-duty equipment, including an excavator, to aid in clearing the debris and supporting the ongoing rescue operation.
“The situation is under control, but our team is still working tirelessly to ensure no one else is trapped,” said an NDMA spokesperson at the site. “We appreciate the quick response from our partners and the bravery of local residents who immediately jumped in to help.”
As rescue operations continue, questions are being raised about building safety and construction standards in Sierra Leone, particularly in rapidly developing urban areas like Freetown. Locals are urging authorities to enforce stricter building codes and monitor compliance more effectively to prevent future tragedies.
This collapse is the latest in a series of building incidents in Freetown, where unregulated construction and poor enforcement of safety standards have been long-standing concerns. Officials have promised a full investigation into the incident and possible legal action if negligence is established.
Meanwhile, the NDMA has advised residents to stay away from the site for safety reasons as cleanup and recovery efforts proceed.
