AYV News, June 3, 2025
Following the tragic building collapse at Pentagon, Off Regent Road in Freetown, and the efforts to rescue those believed to be trapped, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) confirms that at approximately 1:00 am yesterday, the bodies of the contractor and one of his workers were successfully recovered from the rubble.
Despite tireless efforts by the NDMA, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Gento Group of Companies, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, and the Freetown City Council (FCC), both men were found lifeless after being buried for several hours beneath concrete and debris.
The recovery operation was significantly supported by Mohamed Gento Kamara, CEO of Gento Group of Companies, who provided an excavator and lightning to assist with the search. This timely intervention played a crucial role in retrieving the bodies.
Following credible accounts from survivors and eyewitnesses, the NDMA reasonably believes that there are no individual(s) remain trapped under the debris and has officially concluded the search and rescue phase.
The NDMA expresses its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and extends sincere appreciation to all partners and first responders who contributed to the operation.
Investigations into the cause of the collapse are ongoing, and the public will be kept informed of any further developments.
