The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has mounted a rapid emergency response following a devastating fire that swept through a settlement of physically challenged persons on Pademba Road in the early hours of Friday, leaving one  uchild dead and hundreds displaced.

According to the NDMA, the blaze broke out at about 2:00 a.m., engulfing a large makeshift community inhabited by dozens of disabled residents and their families.

An initial assessment by the agency confirmed that 46 disabled households and 14 able-bodied families were affected, bringing the total number of people impacted to 256. Homes, personal belongings, and sources of livelihood were completely destroyed.

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The agency confirmed that the fire claimed the life of 8-year-old Salaymatu Bangura. Another victim, Kadiatu Kamara, sustained burn injuries to her back and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The NDMA, led by its Director General John Vandy Rogers, coordinated a multi-agency response at the scene, working alongside senior government officials and humanitarian partners.

Those present included the Minister of Social Welfare and Children’s Affairs Melrose Kaminty, the Inspector General of Police, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, and representatives from the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society and Catholic Relief Services.

With support from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Ministry of Social Welfare and Children’s Affairs, the NDMA facilitated the immediate relocation of affected residents to temporary shelter at the Approved School Juvenile Home in Freetown.

Addressing displaced families, Rogers expressed sympathy and assured them of continued support. “We share in your pain and loss. No family should endure such tragedy alone, and we are committed to standing with you every step of the way as you rebuild your lives,” he said.

NDMA Director of Relief and Response, Sinneh Mansaray, stated that the agency remains fully engaged in delivering emergency assistance and coordinating further interventions.

Speaking during the response, Minister Kaminty emphasized the government’s focus on protecting vulnerable groups. “Our duty is to protect and support you in moments like this. We will continue working to ensure that every affected individual is cared for and helped to recover from this devastating fire incident,” she said.

She disclosed that her ministry is constructing 56 permanent housing units for persons with disabilities previously living on Pademba Road, with completion expected in June 2026.

The Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh, also visited the displaced victims at the temporary shelter, conveying condolences on behalf of the government. He engaged affected families, including relatives of the deceased child, and pledged additional support, including the provision of a “kekeh” (tricycle) to assist vulnerable individuals with transportation.

As part of its immediate humanitarian efforts, the NDMA distributed relief supplies such as bags of rice, mattresses, and other essential items. The Sierra Leone Correctional Service also provided food assistance to support the victims.

Yayah Sheku Sheriff, chairman representing the affected persons with disabilities, expressed appreciation for the swift intervention and thanked the government and its partners for their support.

Rogers reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring sustained assistance, stating that the NDMA will continue working with relevant ministries, security forces, and humanitarian partners to support affected families as they begin to rebuild their lives.