In Liberia, a spectacular fire destroyed part of the House of Representatives early on Wednesday, mobilizing several rescue teams. Although the flames are now under control, their origin remains unknown. An investigation is underway to determine the causes. This incident adds to a series of crises which are already paralyzing Parliament.
It was around 6 a.m. local time that the fire was reported at the National Assembly in Monrovia, capital of the Liberiaaccompanied by imposing clouds of black smoke, visible from afar. Videos posted on social networks show flames of terrifying intensity devouring the body of the building where the hemicycle is located, and threatening the adjacent wings.
According to the authorities, the rapid intervention of the rescue teams – made up of the national firefighters and several emergency services – made it possible to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building. In the images, the dome, once golden, appears blackened and covered in soot. Inside, the tables and chairs are charred and the windows broken.
No injuries were reported, however, criticism emerged of insufficient firefighting equipment, including low-pressure hoses, which would have slowed down their response.
Meeting between the president and security forces
This is not the first fire in the Assembly: a few days ago, another fire was declared, but of a smaller scale.
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