By Langston Joe Wilson, LINA Maryland County Correspondent
HARPER, June 28 (LINA) – The Catholic Diocese of Cape Palmas has expressed profound grief following a tragic road accident involving one of its vehicles, which reportedly claimed the lives of two persons and left several others injured along the Gbarnga-Monrovia Highway.
According to a statement released on the Diocese’s official Facebook page on Tuesday, June 23, the fatal accident occurred in the Salala area during the early morning hours.
Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle, assigned to the Diocese’s Education Office, veered off the highway after the driver reportedly lost control.
The Diocese confirmed that two persons are presumed dead, while several others sustained injuries in the crash. Authorities have so far officially identified only the deceased driver, Mr. Thomas Wesseh.
Church officials disclosed that Mr. Wesseh departed Harper on Monday, June 22, under explicit instructions to spend the night at the Catholic Mission in Zwedru before continuing to Monrovia the following day.
The Diocese further revealed that the driver had been directed not to transport passengers during the journey. However, reports suggesting that those instructions may not have been followed have raised serious concerns within the Church.
“The Diocese is concerned by reports indicating that the directives given to the driver were not adhered to,” the statement noted.
The Church emphasized that it is awaiting the outcome of official investigations and is fully cooperating with authorities seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Meanwhile, the Diocese extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for those injured in the accident.
“The Diocese of Cape Palmas prays for the souls of those who lost their lives and extends its condolences to their families. Our thoughts and prayers are also with those who sustained injuries, and we wish them a speedy recovery,” the statement said.
Authorities are expected to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash, including allegations that the vehicle may have been carrying unauthorized passengers at the time of the accident.
The Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with investigators as efforts continue to uncover the full facts surrounding the tragedy.