By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
A cloud of grief recently felt over Suakoko District, near Gbarnga in Bong County, following a fatal road accident that claimed the life of a young woman.
Eyewitnesses said, the accident occurred near the Central Agricultural Research Center Institute (CARI) in a devastating collision that involved a heavy-duty truck and a motorcycle.
The upsetting effect sent shockwaves through the community. The occurrence renewed concerns about road safety along the busy corridor.
The deceased has been identified as Rachel Flomo, a resident of Lofa County, and a senior student of the Free Pentecostal College in Voinjama City.
Her life was cut short while she was traveling on a motorcycle toward Monrovia, according to eyewitness accounts.
Witnesses told this newspaper that Ms Flomo and the motorcycle rider, whose identity has not yet been established up to press time late last night, made a brief stop near Suakoko Central High School.
Moments later, a heavy-duty truck approached from Gbarnga reportedly encountered a sudden tire burst, causing the driver to lose control.
The out-of-control truck veered off its course and slammed into the parked motorcycle.
In the impact, Ms Flomo was trapped beneath the truck.
She was later pronounced dead at the scene after the vehicle was removed.
The motorcyclist narrowly escaped and survived the ordeal without serious injury.
Police officers were quickly deployed to the scene to secure the area, control the crowd, and facilitate initial investigations.
The truck driver sustained injuries during the crash, and was rushed to Phebe Hospital, where he received medical treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the truck belongs to BK Enterprise Engineering Consultancy and Construction Services, bearing license plate number H05217.
The company’s office is reportedly located opposite the Ministerial Complex along Tubman Boulevard in Oldest Congo Town, Monrovia.
As investigations continue, residents of Suakoko and road users, have called on authorities to strengthen vehicle safety inspections, enforce traffic regulations, and improve emergency response measures to prevent future tragedies.