Fire has claimed the life of a toddler and consumed household goods at Jawara Kunda recently near Sandika in Serrekunda.

According to Fatmata Bangura, she had just come from collecting her daughter from school, who was playing with the little girl in their house. She said, “I called her several times and when she came there was shouting and a thick smoke engulfed the house close to mine.

I attempted rescuing the baby in the house but the mother stopped me because she feared that I will die too. I became confused. The baby’s mother tried to enter but the fire engulfed the door too.

The baby died in the fire.”

Before the arrival of the fire service, the fire had gone to the third apartment. According to the baby’s father, Alpha Bah, “I was in the shop when I heard the shouting, fire! Fire! I came out of my house and the apartments of my neighbours were on fire and my six-month old baby who was in bed died. I don’t know where the fire started from.”

The caretaker, Pa Susso said, “I am confused. No one can tell me the cause of the fire.

The baby is taken to the Serrekunda Health Centre to ascertain its state.”

Alusine Bangura, a tenant, said he had turned off his meter and had just left his house about five minutes when he was called back.

Sarrah Sanneh the other tenant remained confused as all their things got burnt. The landlord said, “Thieves are better than fire.”