A devastating fire swept through 24 and 26 Smith Lane in Central Kingston on Sunday, leaving more than 20 residents—including children and a pregnant woman—homeless and destitute. The tragedy compounds existing hardships for several victims who had already endured profound personal losses.
Among those affected is 20-year-old Annakay White, who recently lost her newborn son after just two days of life in January. Having returned to her home merely two weeks ago following the infant’s burial, White now faces complete ruin as flames consumed all her possessions. “I bought a bed, fridge, television, stove, washing machine—everything burned,” she lamented, appealing for temporary shelter where she could “sleep on the ground” while rebuilding her life.
The blaze also devastated Orlonzo Bromfield, a local higgler who lost over $8 million worth of merchandise and household goods. Compounding his distress is caring for his 22-year-old mentally ill son, whose behavioral issues already strain the family’s stability. “I am stressed. I can’t even eat. From Sunday I have not slept,” Bromfield confessed, expressing fear that his son’s condition would worsen upon seeing their destroyed home.
Pregnant mother Criscila Tomlinson, at 38 weeks gestation, narrowly rescued her two children but lost all documents and possessions. Concerned about her health, she stated, “I don’t want my blood pressure to go up and cause problems when I am to have the baby,” while appealing for housing assistance to ease her anxiety.
Another victim, Lisa Tomlinson, described the traumatic escape with her daughter, losing educational materials, merchandise for her street stall, and recently purchased school shoes. Her daughter, who recently buried her own baby, lost all belongings just weeks before starting a new job.
Representatives from the Crisis Support Charity and Burn Foundation of Jamaica visited the site Monday, pledging care packages and potential fundraising support for rebuilding efforts. The organizations invited public assistance through their contact number (876) 344-7028 as victims struggle with unimaginable loss compounded by pre-existing tragedies.