Sierra Leone is mourning the death of nine footballers, a community coach, who were involved in a gruesome accident that took place on Sunday between Makoth and Makarie in the Bombali District.

A total of 30 individuals, 25 players, a coach, and officials were in a mini-bus when their bus collided with a loaded truck coming from the opposite direction.

The North East Region Football Association (NEFRA), Public Relation Officer, Mohamed Papa Bangura, confirmed the distressing news.

He said among the nine footballers, defender Anward J Koroma, Daniel Kanu, a goalkeeper and head Coach Samuel Kanu are among the deceased.

They were returning to Makeni from Batkanu in Karane District after playing a successful community football gala.

About 20 are seriously injured, some reported to be in critical condition in Makeni Regional hospital.

The North East football body has suspended all football activities in Bombali until the players are buried.