November 9, 2021
By: Mohamed M. Sesay & James Kamara-Manneh
President Bio has on the 8th November, 2021 appealed for national unity during the symbolic burial ceremony of the fire victims held in waterloo at the Bolima community cemetery.
He made the appeal when he participated in the burial of over seventy wellington fire victims.
President Bio called on all mourners, families, friends and the nation as a whole to rally behind the bereaved families, respect the rule of law and urged everyone to join in the national development.
He said when citizens are discipline such untimely happening will never occur.
When consoling the families, the President promised that investigation into the untimely death of all victims will be instituted and pledged government continuous support to the bereaved families.
He described their death as tragic, saddened, and gruesome; and that death is inevitable, and the present is a moment of reflection for the past and the future.
“This is a loss for Sierra Leone, not only to the bereaved family, and we as a country must pray that God grant them mercy and peace in their eternal life,” he said.
He also extends appreciation to the medical staff, governmental bodies and international partners for the supports rendered during the time the nation is befall in grief.
The remains were those who were involved in the Friday 5th November, fire disaster at wellington in Freetown when a truck collided with a fuel tanker.
At that many onlookers who saw it as opportunity to enrich themselves started scooping fuel for their cars, motorbike or for other personal purposes.
Suddenly, the fuel in the tanker exploded and consumes hundreds of youths; some dead while some are still in very critical condition.
Government ministers, civil servants, religious leaders, and mourners were all in attendance to witness the liturgy.
Muslim and Christian prayers were offered before the bodies were laid to rest.
This is the third time in six years Sierra Leone is holding such a national disaster related burial ceremony.
During the Ebola and mudslide disasters hundreds of dead bodies were laid to rest similarly in Waterloo.