Festive seasons in Sierra Leone, whether Muslim or Christian holidays, are often celebrated in grand style. These are times when people travel from overseas to reconnect with friends, relatives, and family members. Many also journey from cities to towns and villages to enjoy the festivities in rural areas. This pattern is pervasive during end-of-year celebrations like Christmas, which traditionally trigger a massive movement of people across the country.
While these celebrations bring joy and reunion, they are often marred by unfortunate incidents, including theft, drowning, physical altercations, and, most concerningly, road accidents. In the closing weeks of 2024, the alarming frequency of road accidents has raised serious concerns nationwide. Hardly a day passes without a recorded fatal accident.
The most recent incident occurred in the North-Western district of Port Loko, where a tragic road accident claimed the lives of three individuals. Alhassan Alie Kamara, Amara Kamara, and Mohamed Sahid Sankoh were confirmed dead following a collision on 12th December 2024. The accident occurred at Yainkaysa, a village along the Gberay-Junction to Masiaka Highway.
Details of the Incident
According to Aminata Bangura, District Traffic Officer at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Port Loko, the accident involved a large truck (registration number ATB 649) travelling towards Freetown and a TVS motorbike (registration number MQG 628) heading from the Gberay-Junction axis. The car reportedly hit the motorbike, which was carrying all three deceased individuals.
“Two of the victims died on the spot, while the third succumbed to injuries at the Port Loko Government Hospital,” Officer Bangura confirmed. She further disclosed that the victims were later identified by their stepfather, and their remains were handed over to him for burial after post-mortem examinations. The deceased hailed from Maport-Tornlon in the Samu Chiefdom, Kambia District.
Efforts to Address Road Safety Concerns
Speaking on the broader road safety issue, Officer Bangura outlined ongoing efforts to minimise accidents within her area of responsibility. These include a series of sensitisation campaigns and engagements aimed at educating motorists about safe driving practices.
She emphasized that lectures have been conducted on critical issues such as observing road traffic signs, avoiding over-speeding and overloading, and the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Officer Bangura further cautioned drivers and motorcyclists against the consumption of alcohol or other intoxicants, particularly during the festive season when travel significantly increases.
Call for Caution During Festivities
With the festive season in full swing, the District Traffic Officer urged all road users to exercise extreme caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives.
Hassan Bruz SLENA Correspondent
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