16 Dead, 22 Injured in Bus-Truck Collision in Senegal

A tragic road accident in central Senegal claimed the lives of 16 people and left 22 others injured on Monday morning.

The collision, which involved a bus and a truck, occurred near the town of Ndangalma at around 6:00 a.m. local time, according to rescue teams.

Road accidents are common in Senegal, often attributed to poor road conditions, lack of vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, and widespread corruption among law enforcement officers responsible for issuing driver’s licenses and enforcing traffic laws.

In response to the rising number of traffic accidents, the Senegalese government, led by Prime Minister Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in March 2023, vowed to take strong action.

In mid-August, Minister of Transport Mansour Ndiaye announced increased road checkpoints and stricter penalties for violations.

Ndiaye also urged transportation operators to ensure compliance with technical standards for vehicle operation, proper employee training and heightened awareness of safety protocols.

He emphasized the need to adhere to regulations concerning working hours and rest periods for drivers to reduce the risk of further accidents.