By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A tragic road accident at the New York–Waterloo Highway in Freetown has claimed the lives of three individuals and left several others seriously injured in what eyewitnesses describe as one of the most devastating scenes witnessed on that stretch of road.
The crash occurred Tuesday, prompting swift emergency response efforts. Injured victims were immediately transported to Rokupa Government Hospital, where they are currently receiving urgent medical attention. Hospital officials confirmed that multiple patients remain in critical condition.
While the identities of the deceased have not yet been officially released, the Sierra Leone Police and other relevant authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports indicate that a collision involving a commercial vehicle and a private car may have triggered the fatal incident, though details remain unconfirmed.
Eyewitnesses at the scene painted a grim picture of the aftermath, describing twisted metal, shattered glass, and scattered debris across the highway. One bystander, visibly shaken, said: “The crash was loud. People were screaming. We tried to help, but some were already gone.”
The New York–Waterloo Highway, a key transport corridor connecting parts of the eastern suburbs to central Freetown, has gained an alarming reputation in recent years. Locals have nicknamed it a “death trap” due to the increasing number of serious and fatal accidents along the route.
“This road is killing people every week,” said Mariama Conteh, a resident who lives nearby. “We’ve reported it. We’ve called for speed bumps, signs, traffic control. But nothing is being done. How many more lives must we lose before something changes?”
Concerns about the road’s safety have been echoed by community leaders and civil society groups, many of whom have called for urgent intervention. Key issues cited include reckless driving, over-speeding, poor road signage, and lack of enforcement of traffic laws.
Speaking anonymously, a traffic officer at the scene acknowledged that challenges persist. “We’re overstretched, and drivers aren’t adhering to road rules. Public transport drivers, in particular, tend to overload and speed. It’s a dangerous mix,” he said.
In response to the accident, the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) issued a brief statement expressing condolences to the families of the deceased and promising a thorough investigation. The agency also called on motorists to exercise maximum caution, especially on high-risk routes such as the New York–Waterloo Highway.
Meanwhile, calls are intensifying for the Ministry of Transport and Aviation and other government stakeholders to prioritize road safety interventions, including road repairs, installation of speed control measures, and public education campaigns.
As families mourn the loss of loved ones and survivors fight for their lives, the tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated and sustained response to Sierra Leone’s growing road safety crisis.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the crash to come forward as investigations continue.
