A bridge which collapsed in Freetown, Sierra Leone has claimed the lives of at least seven people, CEOAFRICA.com gathered.

The bridge which had been in existence since colonial-era and named after Jimmy, a tribal chief from the 1700s, was one of the main routes in the capital heavily used by both pedestrians and vehicles.

Sources said the collapse was as a result of heavy downpour in the country recently, as rescue workers claimed the number of casualties could rise as emergency teams search the rubble.

Speaking after visiting the place, Works Minister Alimamy Koroma, described the incident as unfortunate and said the cause would be thoroughly investigated.

President Ernest Bai Koroma is also reported to have been to the scene.

The collapsed bridge was built near the wharf used during the 1800s as the main departure point for ships taking slaves to the Americas.