By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
A devastating incident at Serrakunda General Hospital has left the community in mourning after a generator explosion claimed the life of Alieu Barra, a young oxygen plant operator from Serrakunda, London Corner. The tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, September 9, 2025, has raised serious questions about staffing shortages and safety protocols at the hospital.
According to sources with firsthand knowledge of the incident, Barra, in his mid-20s, was attempting to start the hospital’s generator when its dynamo malfunctioned, triggering a catastrophic fire. Barra, primarily responsible for maintaining oxygen cylinders at patients’ bedsides, was not an official generator operator but often volunteered to fill in for the role due to the hospital’s chronic staff shortages. The explosion caused severe burns to Barra’s body, and despite being rushed to Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), he was pronounced dead later that morning.
A hospital employee, speaking anonymously, expressed shock and disbelief, describing Barra as a dedicated worker from a humble background. “This is a tragedy that could have been avoided,” the source said, pointing to the hospital’s reliance on untrained volunteers for critical tasks. “Alieu was not a trained generator operator, but management used him as a backup because we don’t have enough staff.”
Another witness to the incident squarely blamed the hospital’s management, accusing them of negligence due to their “lacklustre attitude” toward hiring adequate, qualified personnel. “This young man’s death is on their hands,” the source stated, calling for the hospital to take full responsibility and provide substantial compensation to Barra’s family, who are said to be devastated by the loss of the young man known for his commitment and kindness.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the hospital and the wider Serrakunda community, with many expressing outrage over the preventable nature of the tragedy. Barra’s death underscores ongoing concerns about understaffing and inadequate training in critical healthcare facilities, raising urgent calls for reform.
Efforts by The Alkamba Times to reach Basirou Drammeh, Chief Executive Officer of Serrakunda General Hospital, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
As investigations into the explosion continue, the community demands answers and accountability to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again. Barra’s family, grappling with their loss, awaits justice and support in the wake of this heartbreaking event.
