A devastating incident in New England Ville, Freetown, has left three people dead and one child still missing after a section of a compound fence collapsed onto a makeshift structure during heavy rainfall on Tuesday evening.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the collapse occurred around 6:00 PM on 23 July at 54 Off Pratt Street. Torrential rain triggered a massive flow of floodwater and mud from nearby hills, leading to the failure of the fence, which then crashed onto a “pan body” structure housing a family of six.
The NDMA reported receiving alerts via social media and its 117 emergency line by 6:20 PM and promptly dispatched a Rapid Response Team, including the Director General and senior agency officials. Search and rescue efforts were immediately launched in coordination with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and community volunteers.
The makeshift structure was owned by Mr. Alie Turay, a prison officer and amateur boxer. Four members of his household were severely affected by the incident.
Six-year-old Aminata Sesay was found dead at the scene and transported to the 34 Military Hospital mortuary. Two other victims—Sailor Sesay, Mr. Turay’s mother-in-law, and two-year-old Aliue Sesay—were later discovered downstream at the Morjabie and Mordenah Community watersides.
As of Wednesday morning, one-year-old Ramatu Turay remains unaccounted for. Rescue teams, including security personnel from the New England Ville Police Post and the Special Court compound, continued their search through stormwater drains and surrounding areas throughout the night.
NDMA officials said search operations will continue today with full inter-agency support.
In the wake of the tragedy, the NDMA issued a public safety advisory urging residents to take precautions during the rainy season. The agency warned against constructing or living in makeshift dwellings near hillsides, flood-prone zones, or under weakened fences. It also encouraged parents to keep children indoors during storms and advised communities to monitor their surroundings for signs of soil movement or structural cracks.
Citizens are urged to keep drainage systems clear of debris and plastic waste and to report hazards or emergencies to the NDMA’s toll-free hotline at 1199, available across all mobile networks.
This latest disaster highlights the urgent need for improved urban planning and infrastructure resilience as Sierra Leone continues to face severe seasonal flooding.
