By Matalay S. Kollie
Bong County — Tragedy struck the Chief Compound Community in Gbarnga, Bong County, after a late-night fire reportedly caused by an electrical fault claimed the lives of two young children and destroyed valuable properties.
The heartbreaking incident occurred on Saturday night when a blaze engulfed a five-bedroom house and a nearby shop, leaving residents in shock and mourning. The two victims, believed to be grandchildren of Bong County Administrative Officer Sam Elliott, were reportedly trapped inside the burning structure and could not be rescued in time.
According to the lead victim, D. Sam Baryougah Elliott Sr., the fire started at approximately 11:25 p.m. following what he described as a fault involving one of the Jungle Energy Power (JEP) transformers situated near Pot Boiling Junction in the community.
Elliott explained that tension lines connected to the transformer allegedly detached and fell to the ground before suddenly erupting into flames. The fire quickly spread to nearby structures, consuming the family residence and a shop located close to the building.
“The fire spread rapidly, and despite efforts by community members to contain it, the children could not be saved,” Elliott told reporters in Bong County, visibly devastated by the loss.
The deceased children, aged four and five, reportedly died on the scene as residents struggled desperately to battle the flames with limited firefighting resources.
An eyewitness, Amos Zeon, disclosed that prior to the incident, technicians from Jungle Energy Power had reportedly visited the house to repair or inspect an electricity meter after complaints about a power problem in the area.
Zeon noted that residents had observed irregular electrical activities before the incident and are now demanding answers regarding the actual cause of the deadly fire.
Meanwhile, residents of the Chief Compound Community are calling on the Liberia National Fire Service and the Liberia National Police to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident, especially given the tragic loss of two innocent lives.
Community members believe a thorough probe is necessary to determine whether negligence or technical failures contributed to the disaster.
As of press time, the management of Jungle Energy Power had not issued an official public statement regarding the incident. However, company officials reportedly visited the scene to sympathize with the bereaved family and assess the extent of the destruction.
JEP General Manager Aleyou Keita is said to have expressed regret over the deaths and assured the affected family that the company would take responsibility for damages caused by the fire.
The incident adds to growing concerns over fire outbreaks in Liberia. In less than a month, more than five separate fire incidents have reportedly occurred across Bong and Margibi Counties, resulting in multiple deaths, injuries, and widespread destruction of property.
Residents and local authorities are now urging stronger safety measures, improved emergency response systems, and regular inspection of electrical installations to prevent future tragedies.
