Freetown, 23 January 2026 – The Deputy Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Mr. Sulaiman B. Sowa, has led an emergency response following a fatal incident involving a fallen tree branch along Blama Road in Kenema City on 22 January 2026, which claimed the life of a young woman and left three others injured.
The incident occurred near the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) office, close to the Government Quarters, when a large tree branch fell onto two moving motorbikes (Okadas) carrying four persons (two riders and two passengers). Preliminary reports indicate that Mary Kuyateh, a mother of two, lost her life at the scene. One Okada rider sustained critical injuries, while the second rider and passenger sustained minor injuries. The body of the deceased was conveyed to the Kenema Government Hospital mortuary as investigations continue.
Upon receiving information about the incident, NDMA’s Deputy Director General, Mr. Sulaiman B. Sowa, immediately mobilised the Agency’s Eastern Region Rapid Response Team and coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure that the affected area was secured, the fallen tree was cut into pieces, debris cleared, and the road safely reopened to traffic in order to prevent further accidents.
While addressing residents at the scene, the DDG admonished members of the public to remain calm and avoid using the route until the tree was completely cleared from the roadway.
He reaffirmed NDMA’s commitment to rapid emergency response, disaster risk reduction, and the protection of lives and property, while urging the public to promptly report hazardous trees and other environmental threats to the Agency through its toll-free emergency line 1199 available on all networks.
Speaking shortly after the DDG, NDMA’s Eastern Region Coordinator, John S. Goba, assured residents that the regional team remains on high alert and will continue to work closely with local authorities to identify and address potential environmental hazards to prevent similar incidents.
The Agency extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes the injured persons a speedy recovery.
