MATADI, Airfield – Tears, smoke, and heartbreak filled the air in the Matadi Community on Airfield after a devastating fire destroyed two apartment buildings, leaving more than 15 people homeless and wiping out everything many families had worked for over the years.
By Edwin G. Genoway, Jr, [email protected]
The fire broke out on Monday, July 20 sending thick black smoke into the sky as frightened residents ran for safety. Within minutes, flames had spread rapidly through the buildings, giving families almost no time to save their belongings.
Three fire trucks from the Liberia National Fire Service (LNFS) rushed to the scene, where firefighters battled the intense blaze for several hours before finally bringing it under control.
Residents joined the effort by carrying water, clearing paths, and assisting firefighters as the community fought desperately to stop the fire from spreading further.
For the victims, however, the damage had already been done. “I didn’t take anything from my home,” property owner Mr. Kromah said with visible pain as he looked at the ashes where his house once stood.
“This is frustrating.”
Mr. Kromah, still shaken by the tragedy, said he could not explain what caused the fire.
His words reflected the confusion and sadness shared by many of the victims. Among those affected was Tetee Quaye, a firefighter with the Liberia National Fire Service, who ironically lost everything she owned while serving her country.
She said she was on duty when she received the heartbreaking phone call.
“I was at work when I got the news that there was a fire in Matadi. When I came here, I saw my home in flames. I couldn’t save anything. Everything I owned was destroyed.”
With tears filling her eyes, Quaye wondered how she would begin life again after losing all her possessions in a matter of minutes.
The fire destroyed two apartment buildings, including the property owner’s residence and a four-bedroom rental apartment occupied by several families.
More than 15 people are now without shelter, clothing, food, and other basic necessities.
Adding to concerns, a makeshift gas station located directly in front of the buildings may have intensified the flames, although officials have not confirmed whether it played any role in causing or worsening the fire.
The Head of Communications at the Liberia National Fire Service, Col. Jackie M.Q. Sie, said investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of the fire.
“We are definitely going to come up with a report to determine what caused the outbreak. But for now, our major concern was to put the fire
under control and that is what our firefighters have done,” she told reporters at the scene.
As the flames flickered out, a heart-wrenching scene unfolded in the neighborhood. Men, women, and children stood in stunned silence, gazing at the charred remains of what used to be their homes.
Some victims wept openly, while others seemed too dazed to utter a word. Senior officers from the Liberia National Police arrived to secure the area as hundreds of community members gathered to witness the devastation.
This tragedy has left families facing an uncertain future. With no homes to return to and no belongings to salvage, many victims are now relying on the generosity of relatives, neighbors and kind-hearted strangers.
As these families work to rebuild their lives from the ashes, there’s a growing hope that the Government of Liberia(GoL), humanitarian organizations, businesses and compassionate citizens will step up with emergency aid, including temporary shelter, food, clothing, bedding and financial support.
For the victims of the Matadi fire, while the flames may have been put out, the painful journey of rebuilding their lives is just beginning.
