Tragedy in New England Ville… Fence Collapsed Claims 3 lives, 1 Missing
A devastating incident occurred in the evening hours of Tuesday, 23rd July 2025, at 54 Off Pratt Street, New England Ville, Freetown, where a fence collapsed following a torrential downpour, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving one child missing.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the tragedy struck around 6:00 PM when a section of a compound fence gave way due to intense floodwater and mudflow from nearby hilltops. The collapsed structure landed on a makeshift pan body dwelling housing a family of six.
The NDMA received initial alerts through social media and the 117 call center around 6:20 PM and immediately dispatched a Rapid Response Team, including the Director General, Director of Disaster Relief and Response, and other emergency staff. They were joined by officers from the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and local community volunteers to conduct search and rescue operations.
Preliminary findings confirmed that four members of the household were affected. Three were swept away by the floodwaters and later found deceased:
• Aminata Sesay, 6 years old, was found at the scene and transported to the 34 Military Hospital mortuary.
• Sailor Sesay, an adult female and mother-in-law to the homeowner, was discovered downstream.
• Aliue Sesay, a 2-year-old boy, was also found later near the Morjabie and Mordenah Community watersides.
The search continues for Ramatu Turay, a 1-year-old child, who remains unaccounted for as of this morning.
The pan body structure reportedly belongs to Mr. Alie Turay, a prison officer and professional boxer.
Rescue efforts continued through the night, focusing on stormwater drains and waterways leading to the Special Court area, where major drainage channels converge. Officers from the New England Ville Police Post and security personnel stationed at the Special Court joined the search.
Search operations will continue today, Wednesday, 24th July, with full inter-agency support, as authorities race against time to locate the missing child.
In response to the incident, the NDMA issued a public advisory urging citizens to take the following precautions during the ongoing rainy season:
• Avoid building or residing in makeshift structures near flood-prone areas, hillsides, or under weakened fences and retaining walls.
• Keep children indoors during heavy rains and away from open drains or floodwaters.
• Do not drive through flooded or waterlogged roads.
• Report signs of soil movement, cracks in walls, or shifting terrain to the NDMA immediately.
• Keep drainage channels clear of waste and debris.
• Regularly inspect and reinforce fences and retaining walls, especially near slopes.
For disaster-related emergencies or information that may assist ongoing rescue operations, citizens are encouraged to call the NDMA’s toll-free emergency line 1199, available across all mobile networks.
