A night of jubilation turned into horror at Liberia’s Unity Party headquarters, where revelers celebrating President-elect Joseph Boakai’s victory were struck by a vehicle involving some Sierra Leoneans.

The Liberia National Police (LNP) swiftly responded to the distressing incident, reporting five casualties and sixteen injuries, leaving a community reeling from the loss.

The collision, described by the police as an “accident,” has spurred intense investigations. Authorities are on the hunt for the driver, identified as William, who fled the scene after abandoning the vehicle. The LNP has called upon the public for any information regarding William’s whereabouts, sharing contact numbers for assistance.

H. Moses Carter, Sr., representing the Joint Security, appealed for calm among Unity Party supporters. However, tensions escalated as the incident, labeled by the party as an “act of terrorism,” occurred just after the electoral body declared Boakai the victor in a closely contested election.

Eyewitnesses recounted the vehicle’s sudden acceleration into the crowd, with speculation veering between a brake failure and a deliberate attack. The chaotic aftermath saw the vehicle set ablaze by enraged onlookers.

As investigations continue, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital is attending to the injured, with some in critical condition. Dr. Sia Camanor urged the public for blood donations to support the victims, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The LNP remains dedicated to unraveling the circumstances behind this harrowing event, promising updates as their investigation progresses.