By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Two men have tragically lost their lives following a gruesome road accident that occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Saturday the 7th February 2026 along the Port Loko Highway, raising fresh concerns about road safety on major highways in Sierra Leone.
According to reports from eyewitnesses and road users, the fatal incident involved a taxi that collided with a motorbike carrying two men. The impact of the crash was severe, resulting in the immediate death of both the rider and his passenger at the scene.
One of the deceased has been identified as Alimamy Conteh, based on an identification card discovered on his body shortly after the accident. The identity of the second victim, however, remains unknown as of the time of reporting.
Witnesses described the accident as devastating, noting that the force of the collision left the victims with little chance of survival. Residents and passers-by who gathered at the scene shortly after the incident expressed shock and sorrow over the tragic loss of life.
The bodies of the two victims were later conveyed to the Port Loko Government Hospital Mortuary in Port Loko, where they are currently being kept while authorities continue efforts to identify the second victim and investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Officials say investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the collision, including whether speeding, reckless driving, or poor road visibility may have contributed to the tragedy.
Road accidents have become increasingly common along major highways across Sierra Leone, particularly on busy routes connecting districts and major towns. The Port Loko Highway, which serves as a key transportation corridor linking the capital Freetown to the northern regions of the country, has witnessed several accidents in recent years.
Authorities such as the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) and the Sierra Leone Police have repeatedly urged motorists and motorbike riders to strictly adhere to traffic regulations, maintain safe speeds, and exercise caution while using the roads.
The SLRSA has also continued its public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting responsible road use and reducing accidents, particularly among commercial drivers and motorbike riders.
Despite these efforts, some road safety advocates and members of the public have criticized authorities for what they describe as weak enforcement of traffic laws. They argue that many road users frequently disregard road signs and traffic regulations along major highways without facing adequate consequences.
Observers say stronger enforcement measures, improved road safety education, and greater accountability among drivers could help reduce the growing number of road accidents across the country.
Meanwhile, residents in the Port Loko area have called on road users to exercise greater caution, especially during the evening hours when visibility is reduced and traffic conditions can become more dangerous.
As investigations continue, authorities are also appealing to anyone who may have information that could help identify the second victim to come forward.
The tragic incident serves as another painful reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety awareness and stricter adherence to traffic rules in order to prevent further loss of life on the nation’s highways.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 11th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
