A potential disaster was narrowly averted at Liberia’s Capitol Building on Thursday, as firefighters quickly responded to detect smoke in the rotunda, marking the third fire-related incident in less than six weeks.
Preliminary investigations revealed that an electrical fault originating from a water-soaked breaker sparked the alarm.
The Liberia National Fire Service confirmed that their prompt action effectively contained the situation, preventing significant damage or harm.
This latest incident adds to a series of troubling fire outbreaks at the Capitol, following two previous incidents on December 10 and January 18, with the most recent event occurring on January 23.
The December 18 fire resulted in serious destruction within the joint chamber and has been officially classified as an arson attack by law enforcement authorities.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) conducted an investigation that led to multiple arrests of individuals believed to be connected to the crime.
Alarmingly, several lawmakers including the Speaker of the House of Representatives who the administration has apparent pushed into exile have been identified as persons of interest in the ongoing inquiry.
Koffa said Thursday he is “absolutely innocent” and has called for an independent probe that will include international experts.
The repeated fire incidents have sparked growing public concern over the safety protocols in place at the Capitol, prompting urgent calls for a comprehensive review of the building’s electrical systems and emergency response measures.
Despite firefighters’ successful management of the latest incident, the series of fires has points to significant vulnerabilities that need immediate attention to safeguard one of Liberia’s most important public building.
