Citizens Demand Regulatory Enforcement on Heavyweight Truck Movement After Tragic Red-light Accident

Monrovia, Liberia: A recent tragic accident in Red-light, Paynesville, involving a 16-tyre container truck and a motorcyclist, has renewed calls for stronger enforcement of regulations on the movement of heavy-weight trucks within the city limits.

The incident which occurred on Saturday, May 9, 2026, led the motorcyclist only identified as "Tarnue" to fear instant death. Eyewitnesses said the victim had stopped in traffic, before the semi-trailer truck seemed to be speeding, crushed him from the back.

Reports say the truck operator immediately fled the scene out of fear when he realized the situation.

Following the recent incident, citizens have begun pressing the government to enforce its regulations, which prohibit the movement of container trucks during the daytime hours.

In early 2024, the Liberia National Police (LNP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport (MOT), implemented a strict ban on the movement of container trucks during the day within city limits, particularly in densely populated areas.

The regulation permitted heavy-weight trucks to move in populated city areas only between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Police and transport authorities stated that the measure is intended to reduce accidents and enhance public safety.

Meanwhile, many citizens who felt disappointed by the recent tragic accident in Red-light, believed the regulation may not have been enforced over the time.

Bystanders noted that the Red-light accident is one of many that have occurred since the regulation was announced. A bystander, Michel Cooper, expressed fear that frequent movement of heavy-weight trucks within the city limits, especially in populated areas risks public safety.

Cooper emphasized that the victim could have been rescued from the accident, being a regular commercial vehicle, but said it was impossible due to the condition of being stuck under a truck.

According to him, the regulation, if not enforced, could result in several accident cases, especially in the city areas. "I want to tell our government that they should reinforce the regulation, let heavy-weight trucks move only at night".

"Because, now and then, people are dying from this identical situation. Look at this, it is happening in public places", he underscored.

Also reacting to the situation, another bystander, Fatu Marh, frowned at police officers over the level of traffic management in the area.

She explained that traffic had become congested, and later eased, with motorists rushing their way out of control, something she said also prompted the accident.

“Police should have been more vigilant in controlling the movement of vehicles after traffic started flowing".

“There are not enough officers to manage the situation properly, so the government needs to increase the number of traffic officers and strictly enforce traffic rules", she said.

Road accidents seem to be alarming in Liberia. The Liberia National Police (LNP), through its Traffic Division, announced that 1,564 road traffic accidents were recorded nationwide in 2025.

According to the official traffic report, 236 people died as a result of road accidents, while 992 others sustained injuries. 

The statistics point to a worrying trend in Liberia’s transport sector and underscore the urgent need for stronger enforcement of traffic laws.