Tragic Incident in Lofa: Woman Killed by Falling Tree!

By Kortu Henry

Kolahun District, Nyweilihun (May 28, 2025)-A tragic incident in Nyewilihun town has killed a 38-year-old woman, identified as Bomah Kortu. Bandu met her on untimely death when a falling tree struck her while working on her farm on May 27, 2025.

Locals said Bomah Kortu had left her home early that morning to clear her farmland, located approximately 40 to 45 minutes’ walking distance from the main town. Eyewitnesses say that while she was engaged in her clearing activities, a large tree suddenly broke and fell. Despite attempting to escape, she was struck and died instantly at the scene.

Her husband, who had been working on a separate community project, returned home later that day and found that his wife had not yet returned. Concerned, he made his way to their farmland, where he discovered her lifeless body lying between the fallen tree and a nearby palm tree.

Upon hearing the news, the town chief of Nyewilihun promptly designated a team of able-bodied men to assess the situation. Upon reaching the site, they confirmed the tragic incident and alerted the Kolahun district authorities and security officers for further investigation.

On May 28, a high-level delegation including district officials, medical personnel, and security officers arrived in NyewoNyewilihun to visit the accident site. Sengbeh Kollie, a nurse from the Kolahun District Hospital, conducted an on-site examination and officially pronounced Bomh Kortu dead.

A 15-man jury was subsequently set up to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding her death. After careful examination, the jury concluded that there was no foul play involved. They confirmed that Bomah Kortu died as a result of the tree falling on her while she was working on her farm.

Those present during the investigation include, Kolahun District Commissioner Joseph Yarkoi, Clan Chief Francis Bolay, and CID Commander, Emmanuel N. Bolay, among others.

The body was later handed over to family members for burial. Community members recalled that similar incidents involving falling trees have occurred in the past, both before and after the Liberian civil war, raising safety concerns for individuals working alone in remote farmland areas.

Nyewilihun town remains in mourning as the community comes together to support the grieving family during this difficult time.