A horrific accident happened last night on a road in southwestern Senegal. The collision between the two buses took place around 2 am near the town of Kaffrin, about 250 kilometers southeast of the capital Dakar, according to a statement from the National Fire Department. According to several sources, preliminary losses are 38 dead and about a hundred wounded. The president even mentions 40.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic traffic accident that occurred today in Gniby, as a result of which 40 people died and many were seriously injured. I extend my sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to those affected,” President Macky Sall tweeted as he declared national mourning across the country.
“After today’s serious accident in Gniby, which killed 40 people, I have decided to declare national mourning for 3 days from January 9. On the same day, an interdepartmental council will be held to take decisive action on road safety and public passenger transport,” he added.
The injured were taken to Caffrin Hospital, the wreckage of the buses was removed and the road reopened to traffic, firefighters said. The governor and the prefect arrived at the scene. Bus accidents in Africa are frequent due to poor vehicle maintenance, bad roads, and also due to driving errors as many motorists have permits bought from corrupt inspectors and have never attended a driving school.
However, this is the deadliest accident in Senegal in recent years. Last week, at least fourteen people were killed and 73 injured in a two-bus collision in Yamoussoukro (centre) and 18 people were killed in a two-car collision in northern Nigeria.
Source: Le Parisien
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