The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) of Sierra Leone has confirmed that death of a 19-year-old pregnant woman following the collapse of a four-story building at SS Camp, Regent, Freetown.
The incident occurred late Sunday night amid ongoing search and rescue operations for two children believed to be trapped under the rubble.
Rescue teams have successfully pulled five male adults from the collapsed structure, where a family of eight resided, according to the NDMA.
The building, located at No. 132 Haja Sonnie Drive, SS Camp IMATT, collapsed after heavy rainfall. NDMA received the report around 11:30 PM and swiftly deployed officers to the scene.
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) also responded, bringing an excavator to assist in the rescue, alongside community volunteers, the Sierra Leone Police, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, and the Office of National Security (ONS).
Initial assessments revealed that the building had been abandoned and changed ownership three times due to poor construction and visible cracks, posing significant risks. Neighbors identified Binta Barrie as the current owner.
A caretaker family, including three children, four adult males, and one adult female, was living in the house.
Tragically, 19-year-old Kadiatu Koroma, who was four months pregnant, lost her life in the collapse. Her body has been recovered.
With community help, three male adults were rescued last night, and two more were rescued this morning. All five survivors are receiving medical treatment, while efforts continue to locate the two missing children.
The NDMA is coordinating with additional response agencies to support the ongoing rescue operations, aiming for the safe recovery of those trapped and providing aid to the survivors. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Residents are urged to avoid the area to allow rescue teams to work efficiently.
