By Staff Writer
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has mounted a swift emergency response following a devastating fire that ripped through a settlement for persons with disabilities along Pademba Road in the early hours of Friday, leaving one child dead and hundreds displaced. The inferno, which reportedly broke out at around 2:00 a.m., engulfed the densely populated makeshift community, destroying homes, personal belongings, and sources of livelihood. The affected settlement, located near the Approved School Juvenile Home in the east end of the capital, is home to dozens of physically challenged residents and their families.
Preliminary assessments conducted by the NDMA indicate that 46 households of persons with disabilities and 14 able-bodied families were impacted, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 256. Tragically, the blaze claimed the life of eight-year-old Salaymatu Bangura. Another resident, Kadiatu Kamara, sustained burn injuries to her back and is currently receiving medical treatment. In a coordinated response effort, NDMA officials, led by Director-General John Vandy Rogers, arrived promptly at the scene alongside senior government representatives and humanitarian partners.
Among those present were the Ministry of Social Welfare and Children’s Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society, and Catholic Relief Services. With logistical support from the armed forces and social welfare authorities, displaced residents were immediately relocated to temporary shelter at the Approved School Juvenile Home, where emergency assistance is being coordinated. Addressing survivors, Director-General Rogers conveyed condolences on behalf of the government and assured victims of sustained support.
He emphasized that no affected family would be left to cope alone, pledging continued intervention as recovery efforts progress. NDMA’s Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, confirmed that the agency remains fully engaged in delivering critical aid and coordinating with partners to ensure a comprehensive response. Minister of Social Welfare and Children’s Affairs, Melrose Kaminty, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations, stressing that the dignity and welfare of the displaced remain paramount. She disclosed that construction of 56 permanent housing units for persons with disabilities previously residing on Pademba Road is nearing completion, with delivery expected in June 2026.
The Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, also visited the temporary shelter to commiserate with victims and assess immediate needs. He underscored the urgency of strengthening social protection systems and pledged additional support, including the provision of tricycles (“kekeh”) to assist vulnerable individuals with mobility and access to services. As part of its immediate humanitarian intervention, the NDMA distributed essential relief supplies, including rice, mattresses, and other basic items. Additional food support was provided by the Sierra Leone Correctional Service.
Speaking on behalf of the affected community, chairman Yayah Sheku Sheriff expressed gratitude for the rapid response, commending the government and its partners for their timely intervention during a moment of profound loss. Authorities say investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, even as relief agencies continue to scale up support for displaced families and outline longer-term recovery plans. Director-General Rogers reiterated the NDMA’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure that all affected persons receive sustained assistance as they begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
