The Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) has blamed limited road access for the tragic deaths of four children during a recent house fire in New Matadi, Monrovia.
The victims, all minors, have been identified as Marcus Momolu (2), EmanFlomo (8), Elizabeth Momolu (6), and Malusa Lusukarmah (2).
Speaking during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, LNFS Director Col. G. Warsuwah Barvoul disclosed that firefighters responded within eleven minutes of receiving the emergency call but were unable to reach the burning structure due to blocked alleyways.
“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,” Col. Barvoul stated.
He urged the public to stop building structures in alleyways, noting that such encroachments hinder emergency responses and increase the risk of avoidable deaths.
A preliminary investigation by the LNFS suggests the fire was likely caused by an unattended mosquito coil.
The tragedy has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of urban planning laws and increased public awareness about fire safety and the importance of keeping emergency routes accessible.
