Tragedy struck Côte d’Ivoire with the fatal accident involving two minibuses that occurred in Brokoua, a village in the central-western region of the country. The impact claimed the lives of at least 26 people and injured 28 others, a real disaster that left a heavy toll. The horrific scenario is beyond comprehension when we learn that ten of the victims perished in a devastating fire that followed the collision, transforming the vehicles into infernal blazes, as evidenced by poignant images broadcast by local media.
The authorities immediately launched an investigation to elucidate the circumstances of this avoidable accident. This tragedy is unfortunately part of a series of fatal accidents that have bloodied Ivorian roads in recent years. A painful observation that calls for collective awareness and urgent action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The Ministry of Transport has therefore called for vigilance from all road users, stressing the need for responsible driving and respect for the highway code. Poor roads and reckless driving are recurring factors in these accidents in Côte d’Ivoire, where more than 1,000 people die each year in avoidable collisions.
This latest tragic accident adds to a dark series, reminding us of the fragility of human life in the face of carelessness and negligence on the roads. Indeed, last month, 21 people lost their lives in another accident, while an accident between a tanker truck and a bus in the north of the country left 13 dead and 44 injured at the beginning of the year.
Faced with this increase in road accidents, the authorities have set up a points-based driving license system in 2023 aimed at making drivers more responsible. This system initially awards drivers 12 points, which are then deducted for traffic violations. In addition, speed cameras have been installed along major roads to monitor and punish offenders.
It is imperative that everyone takes their share of responsibility to save lives and prevent tragedies like this from happening again. Road safety must be a top priority, and everyone must exercise caution and respect for other road users to make Côte d’Ivoire’s roads safer for all.