LUC Ross Road Lauded
By Alhaji Turay
A devastating fire outbreak on November 18, 2024, ravaged the Guoji Group of Companies in Cline Town, located in the eastern part of Freetown. The inferno caused the destruction of properties worth millions of dollars, leaving five structures severely damaged. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage obtained by this medium suggest that the fire was triggered by an irregular electricity supply from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA). Witnesses reported that after an EDSA power outage, a surge occurred when the electricity was restored, causing a spark from the meter to the supply cable.
According to Memunatu Turay, head of the Fire Prevention Section at the National Fire Force and a member of the investigation team, the blaze started around 2:00 a.m. She explained that the spark ignited highly flammable plastic materials in the vicinity, leading to the rapid spread of the fire. Despite numerous challenges, fire force personnel worked tirelessly for over three days to contain the inferno, utilizing more than five shifts of firefighting efforts.
The fire also affected nearby structures, including the National Railway Museum (NRM). Alie S. Tukara, Education Outreach Manager for the Monument and Relics Commission, revealed that the museum sustained damage to its walls and windows.
Osman Forah, Deputy Manager of Guoji Group of Companies, expressed the significant loss suffered by the company and the community. He noted that this was the first time such a disaster had occurred in their long history of operations. Although unable to confirm the exact cost of damages, he acknowledged the distress caused by the incident. Forah praised the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Ross Road Division, Emmanuel Kpullun, for his swift response in securing the area.
LUC Kpullun stated that upon receiving the emergency call at 2:00 a.m., he deployed his team to secure the premises, preventing criminals from taking advantage of the situation. He also coordinated with the fire force to ensure a prompt response.
Deputy Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Grace Kamara, commended the National Fire Force and the Ross Road Division for their efforts in managing the disaster. She called on all stakeholders to unite in rebuilding the affected structures.
Colonel Steve Davies, founder of the National Railway Museum, expressed his concern about the damage to the institution and urged immediate repairs to restore the affected areas.
Community stakeholders and residents praised the combined efforts of the fire force and security personnel for their dedicated service during the crisis. They also urged authorities to expedite investigations and rebuild the damaged facilities promptly.
