The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has officially concluded the search and rescue operations at the collapsed seven-storey building at 57 Bai Bureh Road, Shell New Road, which tragically collapsed on September 16th, 2024, between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
The NDMA responded swiftly to the incident, coordinating efforts among various government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners to expedite recovery efforts and assist those trapped beneath the rubble. A total of 24 individuals were recovered, with 16 fatalities, including children under the ages of five and ten, teenagers, and adults. Fortunately, eight survivors were rescued, including children under five, teenagers, and adults.
Of these survivors, five who were hospitalized at Rokupa Hospital, have since been discharged, while three remain under treatment at Choithram Hospital. The NDMA will continue to monitor their progress and provide updates to the public. Families of the deceased were allowed to access the bodies of their loved ones for burial.
The private sector played a pivotal role in the rescue operation. The Gento Group of Companies led the effort by providing machinery, fuel, and personnel throughout the operation. Other companies, such as Marampa Mines Limited, JP Logistics, and Sierra Rutile Limited, also contributed environmental safety experts, machinery, and fuel to support the rescue efforts. Government institutions, including the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Police, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Office of National Security, the Freetown City Council, the National Protected Area Authority, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, the National Public Health Agency, the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, and the National Emergency Medical Services, provided critical support through security, medical care, and other assistance during the rescue. Special recognition is extended to the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society for their unwavering support, not only during this incident but across all disaster response efforts nationwide.
The NDMA also acknowledges the vital contributions of community leaders and volunteers, who played an invaluable role in the rescue efforts. Additionally, the NDMA expresses gratitude to Honourable Princess Kadie Daramy, the Member of Parliament representing the Shell community, along with local councillors and the Indian business community in the East End, for their commitment and support throughout the operations.
On the evening of September 22nd, while the NDMA reasonably concluded that no individuals remained trapped in the rubble, search efforts continued on September 23rd and 24th, particularly on the third and fourth floors, which were used as storage areas. Excavators were able to access the stores, allowing owners to recover any goods that remained intact, including spare parts and rubber drinks.
In addition to the NLe 55,600 previously recovered from the debris and returned to its rightful owner, another NLe 19,160 was recovered and similarly returned. This transparent process underscores the NDMA’s commitment to protecting property and ensuring that all recovered items are returned to their rightful owners during interventions. The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces have been assigned the additional responsibility of securing the site for the next two days while cranes and other heavy-duty machinery are dismantled and removed.
The NDMA will soon begin registering and identifying victims, a crucial step in providing relief items and support to those affected by the collapse. A debriefing session was held with all stakeholders at the site to officially conclude the operation.
On behalf of the NDMA, Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, expressed gratitude to all partners for their significant contributions during the rescue operation, ensuring that all victims and some property were successfully recovered. The NDMA remains committed to working closely with relevant stakeholders in the environmental sector to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
