By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
A teenage girl has on Wednesday the 9th July 2025, is at the center of a disturbing domestic incident after allegedly setting fire to her family’s rented apartment on Savage Street, near St. John in Freetown, following a disagreement with her mother over the use of a mobile phone.
According to preliminary accounts, the altercation began when the mother reportedly confiscated her daughter’s phone, citing concerns over the girl’s increasing distraction from her studies and her alleged obsession with a boyfriend. The disagreement quickly escalated, culminating in what authorities describe as a deliberate act of arson.
The fire, which broke out late Wednesday, destroyed much of the apartment’s contents and caused significant structural damage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as all occupants managed to evacuate in time.
Emergency responders, including fire personnel and the Sierra Leone Police, arrived on the scene to contain the flames and begin an investigation into the incident. The teenager and her mother are expected to be questioned in the coming days to determine the full circumstances surrounding the case.
The event has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many residents expressing deep concern over the emotional wellbeing of young people and the growing tension between teenagers and their parents in the digital age.
This is very troubling, said one neighbor, we need more support systems for our children and better communication within families. These problems are becoming too common.
The incident also reignites conversation about the importance of mental health support and parental guidance, especially for adolescents dealing with academic stress, peer pressure, and relationship dynamics.
Authorities have yet to confirm whether charges will be filed, but they have assured the public that the matter is being treated with urgency and seriousness.
As the investigation continues, social welfare officials and child psychologists have urged parents to engage in open dialogue with their children and seek professional help where necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,21th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
