Bakoteh Mechanic Counts Losses After Overnight Fire Destroys Garage

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

A mechanic in Bakoteh is appealing for support after a devastating fire destroyed his garage in the early hours of Tuesday, reducing more than 14 vehicles to ashes and wiping out his family’s primary source of income.

Mamadou Sowe, the owner of the garage, said he was asleep when he received the phone call that changed everything.

“I was fast asleep when my phone rang. My apprentice told me my garage was on fire. I rushed there immediately, but there was nothing I could do except watch everything burn,” Sowe said.

Despite the efforts of firefighters and members of the community, the blaze spread rapidly through the garage, consuming vehicles that had been left in Sowe’s care for repairs.

By sunrise, the full scale of the destruction had become clear. More than 14 vehicles had been completely destroyed, many burned beyond recognition.

Visibly shaken by the incident, Sowe described the losses as overwhelming, saying the fire had not only destroyed his livelihood but had also dealt a painful blow to the customers who entrusted him with their vehicles.

“The damage is enormous. These vehicles belong to people who trusted me with their property, and my garage is the only source of income for my family,” he said.

Residents and vehicle owners reportedly joined firefighters in an attempt to contain the blaze, but the intensity of the flames proved too great.

The charred remains of vehicles and the gutted workshop now stand as stark evidence of the devastation left behind.

Sowe is now appealing to individuals, businesses and the authorities for assistance to help him rebuild his garage and get back to work.

“I am asking anyone who can help to support me so I can rebuild my garage and continue providing for my family,” he pleaded.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established, and authorities are expected to investigate the incident. Meanwhile, affected vehicle owners are also counting the cost as they assess the extent of their losses.