By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued a preliminary update following the collapse of a three-storey building under construction at Pentagon, Off Regent Road, Lumley, Freetown.
According to the NDMA, a distress alert was received around 2:00 PM on Sunday, June 1, 2025, regarding the incident. The NDMA response team was promptly deployed to the scene to initiate search and rescue operations.
Preliminary findings indicated that the building collapsed while the contractor and his crew were actively working on-site. At the time of the collapse, six construction workers were inside the building; four managed to escape with varying degrees of injury, while the contractor and one worker remain trapped beneath the debris.
The NDMA coordinated efforts with engineers from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and personnel from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to intensify the search for the trapped individuals. Given the intensity of the rescue operations, the NDMA reached out to Paviport and Gento Group of Companies for heavy-duty equipment to assist in the efforts. Both companies responded positively, providing an excavator to facilitate the rescue work.
The Freetown City Council (FCC), alongside the RSLAF and SLP, collaborated with the NDMA in managing the operation.
Director General of the NDMA, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Brima Sesay, who was present at the scene, expressed optimism about the ongoing rescue efforts, stating, “We remain hopeful that the trapped individuals will be rescued alive.” He extended gratitude to Mohamed Gento Kamara, CEO of Gento Group of Companies, who was on-site, as well as to community volunteers for their tireless efforts in the rescue operations.
The NDMA has promised to keep the public updated as the situation develops.
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