A fatal road accident along the Phebe–Sergeant Kollie Town highway in Bong County has claimed the lives of six people, leaving several others injured.
According to Bong County Traffic Inspector Mamadee M. Kenneh, the crash occurred around 15:24 GMT on Tuesday afternoon at Morris’ Farm, just before the SKT Bridge. The collision involved a black Toyota Corolla, registered A116535, and a white four-door pickup truck, registered A612233.
Preliminary police reports revealed that the Toyota Corolla, driven by the late Thomas D. Sumo, was traveling from Gbarnga toward SKT when it collided head-on with the pickup, driven by Samuel D. Cooper, an employee of the Senate office in Sinoe County. The impact caused severe damage to both vehicles, leaving debris scattered along the roadside.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash and transported the injured and deceased to a hospital in Gbarnga. “We can confirm that six people have died while others are undergoing medical examination,” a police traffic officer told reporters. Identification of the deceased is still ongoing.
Out of the thirteen people involved in the collision, Inspector Kenneh confirmed that three were women. The bodies of the deceased have been placed at the hospital’s morgue for identification by relatives, while the injured remain under medical care and police supervision. Both vehicles have since been cleared from the road to restore normal traffic flow.
Inspector Kenneh disclosed that investigators from the Liberia National Police (LNP) Traffic Division have launched a probe into the cause of the incident. “Both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when they collided. We won’t speculate on the cause until investigations are concluded,” he said.
A senior traffic officer described the incident as a “tragic and unforeseen accident,” adding that there is currently no suspicion of foul play. “Once the investigation is completed, we will release the official findings,” he assured.
Police also confirmed that one of the vehicles belonged to a government employee but did not specify whether driver Samuel D. Cooper was among the deceased or injured. “Documents found at the scene indicate he works with the Senate staff,” the officer noted.
Eyewitnesses described the crash site as horrifying, with mangled metal and shattered glass strewn across the highway. Some locals suggested that a possible tire failure may have triggered the accident.
The Liberia National Police has extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue. “This is a sad day for Bong County and Liberia as a whole,” Inspector Kenneh expressed.
Authorities are appealing to relatives of anyone who may have been traveling along the Gbarnga–Sergeant Kollie Town route around the time of the accident to contact the police or the hospital for identification. Further details will be released upon completion of the official investigation.
