By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
A devastating early morning fire has torn through a vulnerable settlement of persons with disabilities along Pademba Road in Freetown, leaving an 8-year-old child dead and more than 250 people displaced in one of the city’s most tragic incidents in recent months.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, the blaze erupted at approximately 2:00 a.m. on Friday, rapidly engulfing a densely populated makeshift community inhabited by dozens of physically challenged residents and their families.
Preliminary assessments conducted by the agency confirmed that at least 46 households of persons with disabilities and 14 able-bodied families were directly affected, bringing the total number of victims to 256. The fire reduced homes to ashes, destroying personal belongings and wiping out fragile sources of livelihood.
Tragically, the incident claimed the life of 8-year-old Salaymatu Bangura. Another resident, Kadiatu Kamara, sustained burn injuries to her back and is currently receiving medical attention.
In the immediate aftermath, the NDMA—under the leadership of Director General John Vandy Rogers—mounted a rapid, coordinated emergency response, mobilizing multiple government agencies and humanitarian partners to the scene.
Among those present were the Minister of Social Welfare and Children’s Affairs, Melrose Kaminty; the Inspector General of Police; the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces; and representatives from the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and Catholic Relief Services.
With logistical support from the armed forces and the Ministry of Social Welfare, affected residents were swiftly relocated to temporary shelter at the Approved School Juvenile Home in Freetown, where emergency assistance is currently being provided.
Addressing displaced families, Rogers expressed deep sympathy and assured victims of sustained government support. “We share in your pain and loss. No family should endure such tragedy alone, and we are committed to standing with you every step of the way as you rebuild your lives,” he said.
NDMA Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, noted that the agency remains fully engaged in coordinating ongoing relief efforts and planning longer-term interventions.
Minister Kaminty emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect society’s most vulnerable, particularly persons living with disabilities. “Our duty is to protect and support you in moments like this. We will continue working to ensure that every affected individual is cared for and helped to recover from this devastating fire incident,” she stated.
She further revealed that her ministry is currently constructing 56 permanent housing units for persons with disabilities who previously resided along Pademba Road, with completion expected by June 2026—a development that may offer a pathway to more secure living conditions for affected residents.
Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh also visited the temporary shelter to convey condolences on behalf of the government. During his visit, he engaged directly with displaced families, including relatives of the deceased child, and pledged additional assistance, including the provision of a tricycle (“kekeh”) to support mobility for vulnerable individuals.
As part of its immediate humanitarian response, the NDMA distributed essential relief supplies, including bags of rice, mattresses, and other basic necessities. The Sierra Leone Correctional Service also contributed food assistance to help meet the urgent needs of displaced residents.
Yayah Sheku Sheriff, chairman representing the affected persons with disabilities, expressed gratitude for the swift intervention, commending the government and its partners for their timely support during a moment of profound hardship.
Despite the scale of destruction, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that no victim is left behind. Rogers reaffirmed that the NDMA will continue working closely with relevant ministries, security forces, and humanitarian organizations to provide sustained assistance and help affected families rebuild their lives.
As investigations into the cause of the fire continue, the tragedy has once again highlighted the precarious living conditions faced by many vulnerable communities in urban Freetown—and the urgent need for safer, more resilient housing solutions.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 4th May 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
