AYV News, August 5, 2024

A perimeter fence collapsed from an abandoned house in Alpha Terrance, Calaba town, leaving at least 4 people dead and properties worth millions of leones completely destroyed.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) said the sad incident was triggered by severe overnight rainfall and flooding which led to the fence falling on a long makeshift structure underneath, resulting in the loss of four lives, including a mother and three children, while ten others sustained injuries.

The deceased persons include Adamsay Mansaray, aged 42, Mariama Kargbo, aged 20, Adamsay Kargbo, aged 11 and Saidu Sesay, aged 4 months.

The injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment. The incident was reported to the NDMA at approximately 2:30 am. The fence had previously shown visible cracks and was identified as a high-risk structure.

The NDMA said it has conducted prior assessments and advised residents living beneath the fence to relocate for their safety; however, this advice was unfortunately not heeded, leading to this devastating outcome.

Upon receiving the report, the NDMA responded swiftly, visited the scene and safely dismantled the remaining unstable sections of the fence to prevent further collapse, with the support of community members. In collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police, the NDMA facilitated the transportation of the deceased to Connaught Mortuary.

NDMA officials have engaged with the bereaved families, offering their deepest condolences and committed to supporting the burial process. Additionally, the NDMA is using this incident as an opportunity to again remind the public to avoid constructing or residing in houses beneath high retaining walls or in flood-prone areas. An assessment of the incident has been completed, and the NDMA will soon provide relief support to the victims affected by this tragedy.