By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s resident Honorary Consul in Lebanon, Pa Hashim Hussein Hashim has assured Sierra Leoneans residing in Lebanon that investigations have intensified into the tragic fire incident that consumed five Sierra Leoneans and leaving two in critically conditions. He went further to assure that if it is proven that there was any foul play then they will take appropriate action. The Consul lamented that there are some Sierra Leoneans in Lebanon whom the Consulate is not aware of maintaining that some enter the country without going through the right channels.
This medium was reliably informed that a fire incident that occurred on the 11th March, 2023 engulfing a building in the Bouchrieh Dam region of Lebanon left in its wake the tragic death of five Sierra Leoneans and two others in very critical conditions.
What has been established for now is the fact that the tragic incident occurred after a bitter misunderstanding ensued among the affected victims, resulting into an acrimonious argument that culminated into the inferno that engulfed the building claiming five lives and leaving two in critical conditions.
Immediately as the news break out, swift actions were taken by Sierra Leone’s Resident Honorary Consul in Lebanon, Pa Hashim Hussein Hashim, Lebanese Union in Sierra Leone and the Government of Sierra Leone to respond to the unfortunate situation.
In an engagement by the Sierra Leone’s resident Honorary Consul in Lebanon, Pa Hashim Hussein Hashim, on Monday 13th 2023, expressed profound and sincere condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of himself and the Government of Sierra Leone further assuring the Sierra Leoneans residing in Lebanon that His Excellency President Brig. (Rtd) Dr Julius Maada Bio is very concerned about the welfare of every Sierra Leonean living and working in Lebanon and has called on him to ensure that, the fatal fire incident is properly and speedily investigated to get to the bottom of it.
He further intimated that he would do everything humanly possible to protect them in Lebanon.
Pa Hashim Hashim also visited the two Sierra Leoneans currently hospitalized in Lebanon and assured that they would be fully supported until they recover and leave hospital.
In an earlier Press Release dated 12th March, 2023 and issued by the Consulate of Sierra Leone in Lebanon it was stated that on March 11th, 2023, the Consulate of Sierra Leone in Lebanon was informed of a devastating fire in the Bouchrieh Dam region of Lebanon.
The Consulate continued that tragically five Sierra Leonean citizens lost their lives in the incident while two others are currently hospitalized in critical condition further revealing how it is working closely with both the Lebanese Police and the Sierra Leonean Government to obtain a thorough report once investigations conclude further intimating that a representative has been sent to monitor the condition of the two injured women.
It also reaffirmed that it is currently in engagement with the authorities in Lebanon to ensure that the welfare of Sierra Leoneans in the country is guaranteed at all times.
In another Press Statement dated 12th March, 2023 this time made public by the Lebanese Union in Sierra Leone deep regret was expressed over the painful accident that took place in the Bouchrieh Dam area in Lebanon claiming the lives of five, whom they referred to as their brothers and sisters and injuring two others who are in critical condition in the hospital.
Also stated was that the President of the Lebanese Union, Abass Khazem is communicating with the Consulate of Sierra Leone in Lebanon for the official result of the investigation to build on what is required.
The Union also wished God’s mercy on everyone who died in the accident adding that may the Lord be with the wounded and grant them speedy recovery.
“We wish healing for the wounded and our hearts are with the families of the victims,” the Lebanese Union expressed sympathy.
On the part of the Government of Sierra Leone it stated that through its Honorary Consul & Embassy in Iran they will work with Lebanese Authorities to conduct a speedy investigation & establish facts for necessary action and to work with them to repatriate the bodies back home for a dignified burial.
According to a Political Commentator, already some have been giving distorted accounts of what really led to the tragic incident. He averred that it is really wrong for some individuals to make quick assumptions and baseless accusations before the official reports or statements emanate after the investigations may have been concluded.
He argued that while similar incidents occur daily in other communities worldwide, the language and tone towards the Lebanese have become more aggressive and abusive maintaining that such is worrisome.
It must be noted that the Lebanese Community has been in Sierra Leone for decades, and some have established businesses here with deep personal and familial roots in the country now considering Sierra Leone as their second home.
