BATEJAN, Grand Gedeh County – A tragic fire has claimed the lives of a local businessman and his 20-year-old son while destroying three homes at Batejan, a large gold mining camp with a population of more than 1,000 residents in District 3, Grand Gedeh County.
The incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.
Speaking to reporters, the Camp Master of Batejan Gold Mining Camp, Mr. Sam S. Garwo, confirmed that the deceased were Mr. Daddy, a businessman and Fulful Chairman of the camp, and his 20-year-old son.
Mr. Garwo said the fire originated in Mr. Daddy’s house before rapidly spreading to three nearby homes, leaving the houses completely destroyed.
According to him, Mr. Daddy operated a tea shop and kept a gas cylinder inside his house. He explained that residents rushed to rescue Mr. Daddy and his son, but the gas cylinder reportedly intensified the blaze, preventing them from escaping.
Mr. Garwo added that Mr. Daddy’s wife was away from home when the fire broke out and was not injured.
Officers of the Liberia National Police’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID), local authorities, and community members later responded to the scene. The bodies of the two victims were removed from the scene and taken to Zwedru, where they were buried in accordance with the advice of health authorities.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
