Three Lives Lost Due to Fence Collapse in Gbedenbu

A tragic incident occurred late last night at around 11:45 p.m. in Gbedenbu, near Bar Junction, where a fence reportedly owned by Mr. Mohamed Kallon collapsed onto two makeshift structures (panbodies) constructed directly beneath it. This tragic event claimed the lives of an entire household: Salia Sawaneh, a 45-year-old physically challenged man; Fatmata Tam, his 30-year-old wife; and Mariam Sawaneh, their one-year-old daughter.

This incident sadly highlights a recurring issue in Sierra Leone: the alarming frequency of building collapses, often exacerbated by the use of substandard building materials. 

Investigations into similar disasters have revealed a pattern of poor construction practices, including the use of inadequate iron rods, and cement blocks mixed with an excessive amount of sand, significantly compromising structural integrity.

Compounding this problem are the intensified rainfall patterns, particularly during the months of July, August, and September, which are historically known for their heavy downpours in Sierra Leone. This period is consistently disaster-prone, as saturated ground and increased water pressure place immense stress on already vulnerable structures.

A police patrol team was promptly alerted and arrived swiftly at the scene. With support from community members, the bodies were retrieved and transported to the mortuary. Two other individuals, Haja Sawaneh and Maseray, survived the incident though they sustained injuries and are currently admitted at the Emergency Hospital.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has been actively on the ground since the incident occurred, working closely with community members and coordinating with other emergency responders to ensure a swift and coordinated response. A detailed assessment will be conducted, according to the NDMA to determine the cause of the collapse, evaluate structural vulnerabilities of the remaining fence, and determine the next steps.

Given the heightened risks during this rainy season, Sarah Kallay Blog is strongly advising residents to exercise extreme caution and prioritize staying alert during rains, to prevent further tragedies.