Kroo Town Road Erupts in Deadly Riot… 3 Confirmed Dead, Several Injured
By Staff Writer
Kroo Town Road and surrounding communities were thrown into chaos on Sunday following a violent confrontation between youths from Kroo Town Road and Kossoh Town, leaving at least 3 reportedly dead and several others injured, according to reports reaching Voice of Salone Newspaper.
The violence reportedly involved rival youth groups locally referred to as “Black” and “Blue” cliques, with tensions believed to have started following a football match between the two communities on Saturday.
According to eyewitnesses, tensions escalated after Kossoh Town defeated Kroo Town Road at Parade Field. Following the match, angry youths were reportedly seen carrying cutlasses and other dangerous weapons and confronting one another. However, the situation did not immediately develop into a major violent clash.
By Sunday, tensions had reportedly resurfaced, with rival youth groups again confronting each other around Kroo Town Road and its environs.
Eyewitnesses alleged that some Kroo Town Road youths went in search of members of the rival clique who were reportedly believed to be gathered around the Jagaban Office area along Wellington Street. However, upon reportedly failing to find the youths there, the group allegedly vandalised an office they believed to be the Jagaban office.
The development reportedly triggered a counter-response from youths associated with the Kossoh Town clique, further escalating the confrontation.
As the situation deteriorated, police officers reportedly intervened to disperse the rival groups. Witnesses alleged that tear gas and live ammunition were used during the police intervention.
One woman, identified by eyewitnesses as Emma, was reportedly inside a cookery shop when she was allegedly struck by a live bullet. She reportedly died from her injuries, with her body said to have been taken to the mortuary by family members on Sunday.
Several other people were reportedly injured, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
Vehicles were also reportedly damaged, while traders and other residents in the affected areas were said to have been impacted by tear gas.
Meanwhile, witnesses alleged that tear gas fired around Grandcess Street contributed to fires that reportedly affected some houses in the area. The fires were said to have been brought under control by youths and residents.
The circumstances surrounding the reported death, injuries, alleged use of live ammunition and the reported fires remain unclear, with independent verification still ongoing.
As of press time, the Sierra Leone Police had not issued an official statement confirming whether live ammunition or tear gas was used during the confrontation or providing details of any casualties.
The situation has reportedly returned to calm, although residents and traders are yet to resume their normal activities in the Kroo Town Road area.
Voice of Salone Newspaper is continuing to seek independent confirmation from the police, medical authorities, eyewitnesses and other relevant sources.
Further updates will be published as verified information becomes available.
