NORTHERN SENEGAL, Senegal – A tragic bus accident in northern Senegal on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of 22 people, with 52 others injured, according to a report by the local fire brigade.
The accident happened in the village of Ngeune Sarre in the Louga region.
Authorities have not specified the cause and precise timing of the crash.
A rescue worker at the scene revealed that the death toll might rise as the rescue and recovery operation continues.
This recent accident comes just months after two other deadly crashes in the same area.
In January, a collision near Louga claimed the lives of 19 people and left 24 others injured.
This incident followed closely on the heels of another bus crash that resulted in approximately 40 fatalities in central Senegal.
This series of tragic events has sparked widespread criticism of the Senegalese authorities for failing to prevent frequent accidents on the country’s roads.
Critics argue that not enough is being done to address the issue, despite the high human toll.
In response to the criticism, the government has rolled out a series of measures to improve road safety, including a controversial ban on overnight bus journeys.
However, these measures have been met with skepticism from transport professionals, who claim many of the proposed actions are unrealistic and insufficient to address the underlying issues.
These continuous tragedies highlight the urgent need for effective and sustainable measures to improve road safety in Senegal.
It is a call to action that the government and the transportation industry must heed to prevent further loss of life.
Ogun Traditional Ruler, Oba Abraham Bankole, Killed By Truck
Tragedy struck in Ogun State on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, when a traditional ruler, Oba Abraham Bankole, was fatally struck by a truck.
Oba Bankole, who served as the Olu of Onibuku in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, was killed instantly in the incident along the Ota-Idiroko Expressway, near the Winners Chapel.
Adekunle Ajibade, the Sango-Ota Area Commander of the state Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, confirmed the tragic incident to journalists.
Ajibade said the incident occurred as the traditional ruler was alighting from a tricycle, Keke Napep.
A truck bearing the registration number EPE 252 XF hit Oba Bankole, resulting in his immediate death.
“The incident can be attributed to dangerous and reckless driving by the truck driver,” Ajibade revealed. He further explained that the late Oba Bankole’s body had been deposited at the state hospital in Ota.
The accident serves as a grim reminder of the hazards of reckless driving.
Ajibade emphasized the avoidability of the incident and cautioned motorists to exercise more caution and respect for the safety of other road users.
He hoped this tragic incident might serve as a stark wake-up call for drivers to maintain vigilance and responsibility on the roads.
