By Osman K. Jalloh & Alimatu Kargbo
A tragic road accident on Tuesday morning, 18th November 2025, claimed the life of Hawa Jalloh and left two others injured on the deteriorating Rutile highway.
The crash occurred between Kpatema and Mokanji, on the route to Baja Luma, when a Mazda vehicle (license plate AKV 307) carrying 18 passengers reportedly encountered difficulties navigating the dangerous road conditions.
The injured, identified as Salamatu Sesay and Mariatu, were taken for medical attention following the incident.
According to the Drivers’ Union Chairman of Moribatown–Rutile, who spoke in an interview set to be supplied in audio, the accident reflects a wider crisis on the Rutile Road. He described the route as “one of the worst in the district,” citing deep cuts, heavy truck pressure from mining activities, and long delays caused by breakdowns.
He emphasized that both drivers and passengers frequently suffer due to the poor state of the road.
‘’This is not a hidden matter; everybody knows the Rutile Road is in terrible condition. Drivers suffer, passengers suffer, even communities suffer.”
The chairman explained that repeated appeals have been made to mining companies, local authorities, and contractors, but visible improvement has been minimal.
Efforts to reach chiefs and traditional authorities for comment proved difficult, the Paramount Chief of Lower Banta Chiefdom is currently out of the area.
The PC of Upper Banta Chiefdom could not be reached despite several attempts.
Despite these barriers, the Drivers’ Union has written to all key stakeholders, including Paramount Chiefs, councillors, landowners, Sierra Mining, and other companies, urging immediate intervention to rehabilitate the road before more lives are lost.
The union chairman appealed directly to the government of Sierra Leone, stressing that the Rutile Road serves thousands of residents, traders, and mining operations:
“We need all stakeholders and government to come together. This road is for everybody. If it is not fixed, more accidents will happen.”
The union pledges continued engagement with passengers, community members, and authorities until the situation improves.
However, this road has been one of the busy roads in that part of the country.
Most of the mining companies are operating in that part of the country and they have been paying less attention to the said road which they have be using at list every day.
Residents called on the government of Sierra Leone to support them pave the road.
