On this tragic day of July 17, 2024, a terrible traffic accident devastated the town of Bugarama, Rwanda, involving Congolese citizens. The incident unfortunately cost the lives of at least three individuals and left around ten others injured, marking a dark day in the region.
According to the poignant testimonies of people present at the scene of the accident, the tragedy unfolded when the transport vehicle, coming from the Congolese province of South Kivu, attempted to reach the city of Bukavu via the Rwandan territory. It should be noted that precarious road conditions on the Congolese side often force vehicles coming from Uvira to transit through Rwanda to reach their final destination.
The bus involved in the accident was under the responsibility of the Congolese Okapi Original Agency, sad news which shook the local community. The precise circumstances of the accident still remain unclear, but witnesses report that the bus driver lost control of the vehicle while trying to overtake another vehicle at high speed, which led to a collision with an electrical pole alongside of the road.
Among the passengers were fourteen individuals whose identities were recorded in the manifest approved by the Directorate General of Migration (DGM) at the Kamanyola border post. The injured, including the driver, were urgently transferred to hospital to receive the treatment necessary for their recovery.
This tragic accident once again highlights the crucial importance of road safety and respect for driving rules. The competent authorities are called upon to put in place effective measures to prevent such tragedies in the future and guarantee the safety of road users. In this period of mourning and contemplation, our thoughts are with the victims of this sad event, as well as their families and loved ones, affected by this terrible loss.