Sierra Leone: Many feared dead after building collapses

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone

At least 50 people are missing and feared dead after a three-story building under construction collapsed Wednesday in Bo, Sierra Leone’s second largest city.

Assistant Inspector General of Police Saidu Kamara told Sierra Leone’s Radio Democracy that 10 people have been rescued but at least 50 more are feared trapped or dead.

“Those rescued have been taken to the Bo government hospital. The mood at the scene is somber. Our men with excavators will continue the rescue throughout the night to try and save more survivors,” he said.

He also asked the city’s residents to check for their relatives to determine their whereabouts.

The cause of the accident is still not known.

Relatives, youths and emergency staff are assisting in the rescue mission.