KINGSTON, Jamaica — A fire that engulfed a home on Whitehall Avenue in St. Andrew has left a tight-knit community grappling with grief after the tragic death of five-year-old Kimberly Harrison.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when flames swept through the three-bedroom house where Kimberly lived with her grandmother and other family members. Emergency responders from Half-Way Tree rushed to the scene shortly after the blaze broke out around 2:53 PM, but despite their efforts, Kimberly was found unresponsive in the bathroom, overcome by smoke inhalation. The rest of the family managed to escape unharmed.
Kimberly’s passing has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. Residents described her as a joyful and bright child who was beloved by all. One neighbor, visibly shaken, said, “She had a smile that could light up a room. It’s hard to believe she’s gone.”
The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information has pledged its full support to the grieving family and community. Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary, called the loss “a devastating blow to all of us,” adding, “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and stand ready to assist the family in any way possible.”
Counseling services have been made available for Kimberly’s family, her schoolmates, and the broader Whitehall Avenue community as they process the tragedy. Support teams have been dispatched to ensure that those affected have access to emotional care during this difficult time.
Investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, with authorities urging residents to prioritize fire safety in their homes. In the meantime, community members have come together to provide emotional and material support to the grieving family.
As Whitehall Avenue mourns the loss of one of its youngest residents, this tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community solidarity in the face of loss.
