Gruesome Accident Leaves Two Dead at Charlotte Village

Two young boys have died from a gruesome accident at Mortaim community, Charlotte Village in the Western Rural District.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred near a local shop where a vehicle was seen leaning dangerously to the right, its tyres fully exposed close to the shop’s stairway. Images from the scene showed the vehicle resting precariously on a culvert that is often used as both a bus stop and a footpath by pedestrians.

Although the Sierra Leone Police are yet to release an official statement, community members expressed concern over the recurring dangers along the Jui-Regent Highway, where vehicles often speed past despite road warning signs.

The Jui–Regent Highway, which connects Freetown to several rural communities, has a long history of tragic accidents. Over the years, multiple crashes have claimed lives, largely attributed to reckless driving, poor road conditions recently and limited pedestrian safety measures.

Road safety advocates continue to urge both drivers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution along the highway. Drivers are advised to adhere strictly to speed limits, avoid overtaking in crowded areas, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before setting off. Pedestrians, on the other hand, are encouraged to use designated crossings where available, stay alert when walking along the highway, and avoid standing too close to the edge of the road.

The deaths of the two boys serve as a painful reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety awareness and enforcement across Sierra Leone’s highways.