By Hassan Osman Kargbo
A passenger bus branded Promotion was involved in a serious road accident early this morning at the SS Curve along the Makeni Kabala highway, sending shockwaves through commuters and residents in the area.
According to initial reports from eyewitnesses, the bus which was traveling from Makeni toward Kabala reportedly lost control while navigating the sharp curve. The vehicle is said to have somersaulted multiple times before landing off the road. Several passengers are feared dead, while many others sustained serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic and heartbreaking situation as local residents, traders, and passersby rushed to assist trapped passengers. Some victims were pulled from the wreckage with visible injuries, while others were found unconscious. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby health facilities, including Makeni Government Hospital and other clinics in the city, for urgent medical attention.
Although the exact cause of the accident has not yet been officially confirmed, residents familiar with the SS Curve say the area is notorious for frequent accidents due to its sharp bend and poor visibility, especially during early morning hours. Some witnesses suggested that overspeeding may have contributed to the crash, but authorities are yet to verify these claims.
Police officers from the Sierra Leone Police Traffic Division arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to control traffic and commence preliminary investigations. The damaged bus has since been removed to ease congestion along the busy highway, which connects several northern districts.
As of the time of filing this report, officials have not released an official statement confirming the number of fatalities or injured passengers. Families of travelers using the Makeni Kabala route have been urged to remain calm as authorities work to identify victims and inform relatives.
Road safety advocates have once again called on drivers of commercial vehicles to exercise caution, especially on dangerous sections of highways known for accidents. They also appealed to the relevant authorities to consider installing warning signs, speed control measures, and improved road markings at accident prone locations like the SS Curve.
Community leaders in the area expressed sadness over the recurring incidents and called for collective responsibility among drivers, transport unions, and regulators. They emphasized that saving lives must remain a shared priority and urged passengers to speak out whenever they notice reckless driving during journeys.
This is a developing story and updates will be provided as more verified information becomes available from the police and medical authorities. Further details are expected soon.
