On Monday, 26th February, tragedy struck at the OIC road construction site on the Sukuta-Jabang Highway, as four construction workers from AREZKI construction company lost their lives in a devastating accident. The incident occurred at the exit towards Wullingkama, where a pick-up truck with brake failure and traveling at high speed ran over seven workers, including Senegalese and Gambian nationals.

AREZKI, founded in 1962 by Mahmoud AREZKI, operates in three West African countries: The Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea Bissau, with a workforce of 1,500 employees of various nationalities. The company has a long-standing history of over 50 years in public works, transport, and construction in the sub-region.

The fatal accident, which happened between midday onward, resulted in the deaths of four workers, while three others sustained serious injuries and are currently hospitalized. The impact of the accident was so severe that some victims were pushed under a nearby truck.

The Gambia Journal attempted to reach out to the authorities for comment but received no response. The publication will continue to follow up on the story and provide updates as they become available.

AREZKI has been involved in various major projects across the African continent, including roads, airport construction and improvement, drainage structures, bridge construction, and the construction of the Trans Gambia Bridge and Cross Border Improvement. The company’s sectorial services encompass public works, construction-related services, general trading, telecom installations, offices, real estate buildings, and commercial buildings.