Sierra Leone loses historic tree, a symbol of freedom, in rainstorm

An iconic giant tropical tree fell after a heavy rainstorm in Freetown, Sierra Leone May 24, 2023. Visit Sierra Leone via REUTERS

FREETOWN (Reuters) - A giant tree that towered over Sierra Leone's capital for centuries and symbolised freedom to its early residents came down overnight during a heavy rainstorm.

President Julius Maada Bio called the toppling of the famed tree "a great loss to the nation" as crowds gathered to look at the wrecked trunk.