By Forum staff writer
A tragic fire outbreak at Pademba Road has left the community in deep mourning after eight-year-old Salamatu Bangura lost her life in the early morning blaze that also displaced more than 250 people.
The fire erupted around 2:00 a.m. on May 1 at the residence of the Help Empower Polio Persons Organization (HEPPO), a settlement housing persons with disabilities and their families. Residents were awakened by loud screams as flames rapidly spread through the makeshift structures, forcing people to flee for safety in the dark.
According to survivors, the fire engulfed the building within minutes, giving residents little time to salvage their belongings. Many escaped with only the clothes they were wearing, while others sustained minor injuries during the chaotic evacuation.
Salamatu’s mother, Fatmata Sesay, described the incident as a devastating moment she will never forget. She explained that in the confusion, she believed all her children had safely escaped the burning structure. However, Salamatu had mistakenly returned inside after misunderstanding instructions to leave the house.
“We thought everyone had come out safely,” she said tearfully. “We told her to move outside, but she went back in. We searched everywhere, but we could not find her.”
Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control, but it was too late to save the young girl. Her remains were later discovered in the rubble and taken to the mortuary, deepening the grief of her family and the entire community.
The National Disaster Management Agency reported that the fire affected 256 people, including 46 households of persons with disabilities and 14 able-bodied families. The destruction left dozens of homes reduced to ashes, with food items, clothing, and essential belongings completely lost.
Community leaders have expressed concern over the handling of Salamatu’s remains. Yayah Sheku Sheriff, Chairman of HEPPO, said the organization was not informed about burial arrangements. “We were told the child had been taken to the mortuary, but we do not know when the burial will take place,” he stated.
Brima Abdulai Sheriff, Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disability, also confirmed efforts to contact the Ministry of Social and Religious Affairs for clarification, but said no response had been received.
As investigations and recovery efforts continue, residents of Pademba Road remain in shock. For many, the disaster has not only destroyed homes but also left a painful reminder of a young life lost too soon in circumstances that have raised questions about safety and emergency response in vulnerable communities.
