The Sierra Leone National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has issued an evacuation order for residents of a two-story building on Priscilla Street, Freetown, due to severe structural instability.
Gerald King, the NDMA’s Western Region Coordinator, led a team that carried out an urgent vulnerability assessment on the site. Their inspection revealed severe structural damage, including extensive cracks and deteriorating beams that have undermined the building’s stability. The building, owned by Dudley Cowan, is at significant risk of collapse.
The assessment also noted that a potential collapse could impact a nearby community bridge, posing further risks of disruption to the local area.
Occupants, including two families and the property owner, were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Emergency services have secured the area, blocking off all access points to ensure public safety.
Given the critical state of the building, immediate action is being taken to prevent a possible collapse. A coordinated response plan, involving the NDMA and relevant authorities, is underway to safely demolish the building and mitigate further risks.
This incident highlights the necessity for swift action to address structural hazards and protect the safety of the community in Freetown.
