The Freetown City Council (FCC), led by Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk Esq., paid a heartfelt visit to the victims of the recent fire disaster on Brook Street, offering sympathy and support during a challenging time.

Accompanied by councilors Unisa Kamara and Tutu Bailor, FCC’s Head of Disaster Management Abass Kamara, and other staff members, the delegation extended their condolences to the affected families and provided modest assistance.

During the visit, the FCC team presented six bags of rice and a cash donation to representatives of the six households affected by the tragic incident. Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk Esq., speaking on behalf of Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, expressed deep sorrow for the loss of life, acknowledging the inevitability of death but lamenting the tragedy of four individuals losing their lives in such a devastating manner.

The fire, which occurred on November 30, 2024, claimed the lives of four people, including an 18-year-old student from the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (COMAHS) and an 8-year-old boy. The blaze was reportedly triggered by a transformer malfunction that caused electrical issues in the area. A family member recounted that a cable in front of the house caught fire, and despite the community’s efforts to extinguish the flames, the fire quickly spread to the roof, consuming the entire house.

Deputy Mayor Lisk reiterated FCC’s commitment to supporting the victims and highlighted the council’s ongoing efforts to improve disaster management and response mechanisms in Freetown. The FCC’s visit follows an earlier engagement with the community, underscoring the council’s dedication to standing by its residents during times of crisis.

As Freetown continues to grapple with infrastructural challenges, the Brook Street fire serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and proactive disaster management strategies.