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The Government of Sierra Leone, through the National Disaster Management Agency, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, led a coordinated emergency response following the collapse of a five-storey building under construction at 113A Kissy Road in the East End of Freetown.
According to information released by the NDMA, the incident occurred at about 4:00am near Starco Cinema, causing partial damage to two nearby buildings and forcing the temporary closure of the area to traffic and public movement.
The emergency response operation involved several government institutions and partners, including the Freetown City Council, Sierra Leone Police, Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Sierra Leone Roads Authority, the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, the Ministry of Energy, and the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society.
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NDMA assessment officers who conducted preliminary investigations at the scene confirmed that no deaths had been recorded and that there was currently no reasonable suspicion that anyone remained trapped beneath the rubble.
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation further suggested that the collapse may have resulted from the use of substandard building materials and poor construction practices by the contractor handling the project.
The NDMA also disclosed that the owner of the collapsed structure is believed to be residing in the United States, while attempts to contact his relatives in Sierra Leone and the contractor responsible for the construction have so far been unsuccessful.
Speaking on the incident, Director General of the NDMA, John Vandy Rogers, said the agency and its partners remained committed to ensuring public safety as investigations continue.
“The preliminary assessment points to serious concerns regarding construction standards and engineering compliance. We are grateful that no lives have been lost in this unfortunate incident. The NDMA, together with our partners, is fully engaged in ensuring the area is secured, the rubble cleared, and investigations thoroughly conducted to establish accountability,” Rogers stated.
Mayor of the Freetown City Council, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, described the collapse as a warning about the dangers of unsafe construction practices and stressed the need for stronger enforcement of building regulations across the capital.
“This incident is a painful reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe construction practices. The safety of residents must always come first, and we will continue working closely with the relevant authorities to strengthen compliance with approved building standards and protect our communities,” the Mayor said.
Authorities said the NDMA and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority were coordinating the deployment of heavy equipment, including an excavator, to clear debris from the site and restore traffic flow along Kissy Road.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy has already removed exposed electrical cables and damaged utility poles around the affected area in an effort to protect residents and stabilize electricity supply.
The NDMA assured the public that investigations into the collapse are continuing and that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
