By: Ronald Cole
On Sunay, April 12, 2026, a devastating fire outbreak destroyed the family house of the late Pa Bangura in Sherbro Town, Tombo Village, leaving the building completely burned to the ground.
The house contained two shop spaces at the front. One of the shops was operated by the late Pa Bangura’s wife, Mrs. Imtuma Conteh, who ran a cosmetics and provisions business. Her shop was stocked with various items, including cooking supplies such as vegetable oil, palm oil, garri, flour, and beans stored in bags. Other goods included mayonnaise, butter, ketchup, Maggi seasoning cubes, glass cups, rubber kitchen items, and several other household products. She also reportedly lost a significant amount of money with a sum of thirty thousand New Leones in the fire. Mrs. Conteh had been living in the house with her children for many years.
The incident occurred shortly after 7:00 PM during evening prayer time. Mrs. Conteh noticed smoke coming from the bedroom of one of her daughters, Marie Kargbo. Upon checking, she discovered that the room was already filled with smoke. She immediately called for help from nearby neighbours. However, many residents were at the mosque for evening prayers, which delayed the response.
As the fire intensified, smoke spread rapidly and the flames grew out of control. While some young people in the community tried to extinguish the fire, others took advantage of the situation to steal property. The situation was eventually brought under control through the intervention of the police, led by Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Mohamed Fatorma Nyakoi, who acted swiftly to disperse looters and restore order.
Community members attempted to fight the fire using water and sand, but their efforts were not enough. Honourable Amara V. Kargbo, Member of Parliament for Constituency 104, quickly alerted the fire brigade from Hastings after realizing that a petrol station located less than 70 feet from the burning house was at serious risk. If the fire had spread to the station, it could have resulted in a far greater disaster.
Within about an hour, the fire brigade arrived and successfully extinguished the fire. However, the house was destroyed. A nearby house belonging to Harbour Master Mr. Cherinor Bah also suffered severe damage, with its roof destroyed. Reports indicate that looters also stole many of his household and business belongings during the incident.
Residents have suggested two possible causes of the fire: a spark from faulty electrical wiring connected to a local power supply, or a cooking pot that may not have been properly extinguished.
The Sherbro Tribal Head Chief, Michael K. Benga, stated that the fire caused losses estimated at over one million New Leones. He appealed to humanitarian organizations and NGOs to urgently assist Mrs. Conteh and the affected families, who have been left homeless and without necessities such as clothing and shelter since the raining season is fast approaching.