By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Five Government-owned buses operating on provincial routes have been destroyed following a fire outbreak at the Kissy Bus Depot in Freetown, prompting an investigation by the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority (SLPTA) and the Sierra Leone Fire Force.
According to an official public notice issued by the Management of SLPTA, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Friday, 5th June 2026. The Authority disclosed that the fire consumed five buses assigned to serve various parts of the country, dealing a setback to public transportation services.
SLPTA, however, reassured the public that none of its Waka Fine buses were affected by the blaze. The Authority noted that the buses damaged in the incident were Government-owned vehicles used for provincial operations, while the Waka Fine fleet remained safe and fully operational.
The Sierra Leone Fire Force was commended for its swift intervention, which helped to contain the fire before it could spread to other buses and critical facilities within the depot. Emergency responders worked quickly to bring the situation under control, preventing what could have been a far more devastating incident.
Authorities also confirmed that no casualties or injuries were recorded during the fire, a development that has been welcomed by many members of the public and transport sector stakeholders.
The destruction of the buses is expected to have an impact on provincial transport services, as the affected vehicles play an important role in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods across different parts of the country. Public transport remains a critical component of Sierra Leone’s socio-economic activities, particularly for citizens who depend on Government-operated services for affordable travel.
Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Fire Force, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Public Transport Authority, has commenced investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire. Officials say all possible factors will be examined as part of efforts to determine how the incident occurred and to recommend measures that could prevent similar occurrences in the future.
SLPTA has assured the public that it remains committed to transparency and accountability and that the findings of the investigation will be made public once the process is completed. The Authority further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the continued provision of safe and reliable public transportation services across the country.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strengthening fire safety measures and emergency preparedness at key public transport facilities, as authorities work to safeguard vital national assets and maintain uninterrupted transport services for the people of Sierra Leone.
