The Director of the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS), Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul, has blamed the tragic deaths of four children in New Matadi on the lack of accessible roads, which prevented firefighters from reaching the burning house on time.
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, Col. Barvoul said the fire crew responded within eleven minutes of receiving the emergency call, but their efforts were crippled by blocked alleyways and unplanned structures.
“The fire team arrived promptly but could not reach the house due to structures obstructing the pathway. This delay unfortunately contributed to the loss of young lives,” he said.
The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, completely destroyed a zinc roundhouse with four bedrooms, trapping the children inside.
In his preliminary findings, Col. Barvoul also indicated that the fire may have been caused by a mosquito coil left unattended, a commonly used but hazardous method for repelling mosquitoes.
He called on the public to stop constructing buildings in alleyways, warning that such practices obstruct emergency responses and can turn preventable incidents into deadly disasters.
The tragedy has sparked fresh conversations about urban planning, fire safety, and the urgent need for accessible routes in densely populated communities.
As investigations continue, many are calling for immediate government action to prevent another tragedy of this kind.
