By Precious D. Freeman
A devastating accident was witnessed on Slipway Bridge when a sewage truck apparently experiencing brake failure plowed into a motorbike rider and his passengers, leaving a gruesome scene.
Eyewitness Klahere Toe recounting the terrifying moments leading up to the crash explained that the truck, bearing plate number C31997, was descending from Crown Hill towards Slipway Bridge when its brakes failed and in a desperate attempt to warn pedestrians and motorists, the driver began shouting, “Leave the road!”
Unfortunately, at that very moment, a motorbike rider was approaching from the upper part of the bridge.
As fate would have it, the biker was stopped at a checkpoint, where a police officer requested for his documents to verify the bike’s registration status. While the rider was explaining that he lacked documents, the already out-of-control truck barreled into the bike, throwing the rider and his passengers into the air.
The quick but horrifying moment saw the truck crushed the rider, bursting his head while the sheer impact left all other victims unconscious.
Following the tragic collision, the truck driver fled the scene, reportedly in fear of the growing crowd’s reaction.
His escape only fueled the anger of onlookers, particularly among fellow motorcyclists, who swiftly blamed the police officers for causing the accident by stopping the rider at a crucial moment.
Emergency responders arrived, rushing the severely injured motorbike rider to JFK Hospital, while the other victims were taken to Mawah Clinic in Vai Town for urgent medical attention.
However, as the news of the incident spread, tensions flared among the city’s motorcyclists.
Many argued that if the police had not stopped the rider on the main road to demand documents, the tragedy could have been avoided.
Outraged by what they saw as unnecessary interference, angry motorcyclists began targeting police checkpoints across the city.
In one of the most immediate responses, motorcyclists stormed the police checkpoint on 20th Street and destroyed it in retaliation.
The confrontation escalated into clashes, as they accused officers of prioritizing document checks over public safety.
The accident has left the community in shock, with residents calling for urgent traffic safety measures on the frequently congested bridge.
Many are demanding accountability from both the police and the city’s traffic authorities, questioning whether proper brake inspections and vehicle maintenance regulations are being enforced.
Meanwhile, law enforcement remains silent on the accusations, as they work to restore order in the wake of the rising tensions.