Freetown, Sierra Leone — A devastating fire broke out at the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) parking ground along Blackhall Road in the PWD Kissy area, completely destroying five government buses.
The affected vehicles, all bearing AKU-series registration plates, have been identified as:
– AKU-031
– AKU-016
– AKU-025
– AKU-014
– AKU-012
According to initial reports, the buses were parked at the facility when the blaze erupted. No injuries have been reported so far, but the full extent of additional damage to the site or nearby property remains unclear.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on whether it was accidental, electrical, or due to any other factors. Firefighters and SLRA officials responded to the scene, though details on the response time and containment efforts are limited at this stage.
The SLRA is the primary government body responsible for road infrastructure, maintenance, and fleet management in Sierra Leone. The loss of these buses could temporarily affect public transportation services or operational capacity in the Greater Freetown area, where government vehicles often support essential services.
Freetown has experienced several fire incidents in recent years, including slum fires that have displaced thousands, highlighting ongoing challenges with fire safety, emergency response, and infrastructure in densely populated urban zones.
This incident comes amid broader efforts to modernize Sierra Leone’s transport sector. Officials are expected to provide further updates on the investigation, potential replacement costs, and any measures to prevent similar occurrences at government facilities.
