Late yesterday, a horrifying incident unfolded as a vehicle crashed into a jubilant crowd of supporters celebrating the victory of Liberian President-elect Joseph Boakai.
The police reported at least 16 injuries, while Boakai’s Unity Party tragically confirmed the loss of at least 10 lives.
“I can’t confirm the total number (of casualties), but at JFK I know there are 16 persons, 12 males and four females,” stated police official Melvin Sacko, referencing a local hospital where victims were taken.
According to the Unity Party, the fatal incident occurred around 9 pm when a car accelerated into a group of supporters outside their headquarters.
Party spokesman Mohammed Ali shared the grim news, saying, “It just picked up with speed and ran into the supporters, and as we speak about 10 people are dead.”
Social media videos depicted the aftermath, showing injured individuals receiving medical assistance.
This tragic incident cast a shadow over Boakai’s official declaration as the winner of last week’s election, securing 50.64% of the vote against incumbent George Weah’s 49.36%.
Despite the somber turn of events, outgoing President George Weah, a former football star, earned praise internationally for conceding and fostering a non-violent transition in a region historically marked by coups.
