The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has launched a full-scale investigation following the tragic deaths of two young children due to suffocation inside an abandoned vehicle on the premises of the National Pentecostal Primary School in Freetown.
In response, the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has temporarily closed the school pending a comprehensive safety review.
On Tuesday, 18th March 2025, at approximately 16:24 hours, Kadiatu Koroma of Regent Road, Aminata Sesay of Halk Street, and Mariatu Kanu of Oniel Street reported to the Family Support Unit of the Criminal Investigations Department that three children—Abdul Aziz Yusuf Kamara (aged 3), Patrick Hassan Kamara (aged 2), and Adama Sarah Sesay (aged 3)—had gone missing between 12:00 and 13:00 hours from the school premises.
Later that evening, around 23:00 hours, the bodies of Abdul Aziz Yusuf Kamara and Patrick Hassan Kamara were discovered inside a faulty black Toyota Sport Edition vehicle (registration number AJA 671) parked within the school compound. Adama Sarah Sesay was found alive and was immediately taken for medical treatment.
A post-mortem examination conducted on Friday, 20th March 2025, confirmed that the two children died of suffocation, with no signs of physical assault or injury.
Following the incident, the MBSSE issued an official statement on 24th March 2025, expressing deep sorrow over the loss and extending condolences to the victims’ families and the school community. As a precautionary measure, the school has been temporarily shut down for a thorough health and safety audit.
The ministry, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will assess necessary measures to prevent similar incidents before allowing the school to reopen. The MBSSE has also committed to ensuring accountability and strengthening safety protocols across all educational institutions.
The MBSSE urged all schools to prioritize student safety and remain vigilant in protecting pupils’ well-being. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Police have assured the public of a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
Adama Sarah Sesay has since been reunited with her parents and continues to receive medical care.
