MONROVIA – A devastating fire in the early hours of Thursday, May 8, 2025, in the New Matadi community of Monrovia claimed the lives of four children, after firefighters were unable to reach the burning home in time due to blocked alleyways.
The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has blamed the tragic outcome on limited road access in the densely populated neighborhood, which prevented fire trucks from getting close enough to combat the blaze. LNFS Director Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul, speaking at a Ministry of Information press briefing, said fire crews were dispatched within eleven minutes of receiving the emergency call but were stopped short by illegal structures that clogged access routes.
“Our team responded swiftly, but unfortunately, they could not reach the building because the alleyways were blocked by unauthorized constructions,” Col. Barvoul said. “This tragic delay contributed to the heartbreaking loss of four young lives.”
Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been sparked by an unattended mosquito coil left burning inside the house. The victims were identified as Emmanuel Flomo, 8; Marcus Momolu, 12; Elizabeth Momolu, 6; and Lusu Kamara, 2. One of the deceased children was reportedly the child of an LNFS employee.
Col. Barvoul appealed to residents to avoid constructing in alleys or obstructing pathways, warning that such practices not only violate urban regulations but also endanger lives by restricting emergency access.
Authorities say a full investigation into the incident is ongoing.
