Multi-Agency Response Underway After Five-Storey Building Collapses on Kissy Road

Multi-Agency Response Underway After Five-Storey Building Collapses on Kissy Road

A major emergency operation is ongoing at 113A Kissy Road following the collapse of a five-storey building under construction in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The incident, which occurred at approximately Tuesday 4:00 am, caused significant damage to two adjacent structures and prompted an immediate response from the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Freetown City Council (FCC), Sierra Leone Police, and several other government agencies.

Despite the scale of the destruction, preliminary assessments confirm that no fatalities have been recorded, and officials do not believe anyone remains trapped under the debris. However, the collapse has left the neighborhood in shock, though many residents claim the disaster was preventable. Neighbors had previously reported visible cracks and safety concerns to the Ross Road Police Station, yet construction continued until the structure finally failed.

Initial investigations by the NDMA point to the use of substandard building materials and significant construction errors as the primary causes of the collapse. Authorities are currently searching for the contractor and the building’s owner, who is reported to reside in the United States, for questioning regarding compliance with safety standards.

“The preliminary assessment points to serious concerns regarding construction standards and engineering compliance,” stated John Vandy Rogers, Director General of the NDMA.

“We are fully engaged in ensuring the area is secured and investigations are thoroughly conducted to establish accountability.”

Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr also emphasized the gravity of the incident, describing it as a “painful reminder” of the dangers of unsafe construction. She called for stricter adherence to building regulations and stronger enforcement across the capital to protect residents.

Recovery efforts continue as the NDMA and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) deploy heavy machinery to clear the rubble and reopen Kissy Road to traffic. Additionally, the Ministry of Energy has moved to secure the area by removing damaged utility poles and exposed cables. The NDMA has assured the public that further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.