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Tragedy struck in Lumley, Western Freetown, after a long vehicle transporting a container somersaulted, leaving two people reported to have died from the accident.
The victims have been identified as an adolescent girl and a young man, both of whom reportedly died at the scene. Eyewitnesses say the truck veered off the main road before overturning onto the pavement near Vista Bank, causing panic among residents and road users in the area.
Authorities, including the Sierra Leone Police and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), are yet to issue an official statement as details surrounding the incident remain unclear.
The Lumley-Spur Road axis has long been considered a high-risk zone, with several fatal accidents involving heavy-duty trucks and long vehicles recorded over the years. Residents and commuters have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of the hilly route, particularly for large container trucks and other heavy duty vehicles.
Road safety experts have consistently warned that heavy-duty trucks should avoid using Spur Road due to its steep gradients and sharp bends, which increase the likelihood of brake failure and loss of control.
In the wake of the latest incident, there are renewed calls for the Sierra Leone Police and the SLRSA to intensify monitoring and enforcement measures. Stakeholders are urging both institutions to conduct thorough inspections of long vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, ensuring they meet safety standards before being allowed to operate along such hazardous routes.
Residents believe that stricter checks, combined with clear restrictions on the movement of container trucks on Spur Road, could help prevent further loss of lives.
