Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – At least seven people, including a Senegalese police officer, were killed and 14 others injured in a devastating road traffic accident that occurred on Wednesday along the Farafenni–Jarra Soma Highway, between Farafenni and Bereto.
Police in Farafenni confirmed that the collision was caused by a fatal overtaking maneuver, as narrated by multiple eyewitness accounts. The accident involved a Toyota Hiace minibus and a Renault bus, both sustaining irreparable damage due to the force of the impact.
Witnesses said the minibus, driven at high speed by Samba Touré, attempted a premature overtaking maneuver while positioned third in line near a curved section of the road. The risky move proved disastrous when the minibus, bearing registration number AA 202 VG, collided head-on with an oncoming Renault bus, registration number AA 514 TB.
The bus belongs to Cheikh Niang and was being driven by 26-year-old Modou Samba. Following the violent collision, the bus driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which skidded off the road and came to rest on the right-hand shoulder.
Authorities said five of the deceased had not yet been formally identified at the time of reporting. However, among those confirmed dead are the minibus driver, Samba Touré, and Jean-Baptiste Coly, a Senegalese police officer attached to the Golf Police Station. The death toll stands at seven, with two bodies described as being in an unrecognizable state.
Fourteen passengers sustained injuries, including seven who are in critical condition and one with minor injuries. Six of the seriously injured were evacuated to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau, while two others—one in critical condition—were admitted to Farafenni Hospital.
The remains of six victims were transferred to the morgue at Kaolack Hospital, while the seventh body was taken to Nioro.
In response to the severity of the incident, Senegalese authorities have ordered the medical evacuation of all critically injured victims to Dakar for advanced treatment.
Police say investigations into the accident are ongoing, while renewed calls are being made for motorists to exercise caution, particularly when overtaking on highways with limited visibility.
