The close-knit community of New Matadi in Monrovia, Liberia, is grappling with the devastating loss of four young children in a tragic fire incident that occurred in the early hours of Thursday, May 9, 2025. The victims, Emmanuel Flomo (8), Marcus Momolu (12), Elizabeth Momolu (6), and Lusu Kamara (2), perished in the blaze, which reportedly originated from an unattended mosquito coil. The fire, which rapidly engulfed the children’s dwelling, highlights the precarious living conditions and safety challenges prevalent in many informal settlements within the city. The incident has left the community in mourning and spurred renewed calls for enhanced fire safety measures and stricter urban planning regulations.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene as residents desperately attempted to extinguish the flames but were hampered by the lack of accessible pathways. The narrow, congested alleyways characteristic of the New Matadi community proved insurmountable obstacles for firefighters, delaying their response and ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome. The children were found burned beyond recognition, a grim testament to the ferocity of the fire and the limitations imposed by the community’s infrastructure. The incident underscores the vulnerability of densely populated, informal settlements to fire hazards and the urgent need for improved accessibility for emergency services.
Colonel G. Warsuwah Barvoul, Director of the Liberian National Fire Service, confirmed the tragic loss and highlighted the significant challenges faced by firefighters in reaching the burning dwelling. The lack of proper roads and the presence of structures obstructing the pathway significantly impeded their efforts, resulting in a critical delay that proved fatal. Col. Barvoul emphasized the urgent need for community members to refrain from constructing buildings in alleyways, stressing that such practices not only obstruct emergency responses but also endanger lives. The tragedy serves as a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations and a renewed focus on community safety.
The preliminary investigation conducted by the Liberian National Fire Service points to an unattended mosquito coil as the likely cause of the fire. This common household item, often used for protection against mosquito-borne diseases, can pose a significant fire hazard if not used with caution. The incident underscores the importance of public awareness campaigns to educate residents on fire safety practices, including the safe handling of mosquito coils and other potential fire hazards. Furthermore, it highlights the need for accessible and affordable fire safety equipment within communities like New Matadi.
The tragic fire in New Matadi has sparked renewed calls for a comprehensive review of fire safety regulations and urban planning practices within Monrovia. The incident exposed the vulnerabilities of informal settlements, where inadequate infrastructure, congested living conditions, and limited access to emergency services create a dangerous environment. Advocates are urging authorities to prioritize the development of accessible roadways, fire hydrants, and other essential infrastructure within these communities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for increased public awareness campaigns to educate residents on fire prevention measures and emergency preparedness.
The loss of four young lives in such a preventable tragedy has left the New Matadi community in a state of shock and mourning. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for proactive measures to address fire safety challenges and improve living conditions within vulnerable communities. The Liberian government, in collaboration with community leaders and non-governmental organizations, must work together to implement comprehensive solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents. These efforts should include stricter enforcement of building codes, improved access for emergency services, and ongoing public awareness campaigns to promote fire safety practices and prevent future tragedies.
