### Tragedy at the 3z roundabout: a fatal traffic accident raises questions about road safety
On May 14, 2025, a tragic road accident cost the lives of seven people, including five women and two children, at the 3z roundabout, in the Kele hills in Tshikapa. This event raises pressing questions about the challenges of road safety and the need for collective awareness in the face of the dangers of land transport.
### Drama: immediate facts and consequences
According to the elements reported by various sources, notably Fatshimetrie.org, the accident involved a TAF TAF brand truck from Kamuesha, who lost control during her descent near the bridge connecting Kele to Dibumba. The first elements of the investigation suggest that the improper use of the driver’s braking system could largely be responsible for this tragedy.
The tragic record, comprising seven deaths and many seriously injured, was confirmed by a colonel of the local police. The victims were transported to the Tshikapa morgue and the injured received emergency care at the Reference General Hospital. This assessment highlights the devastating impact that road accidents can have on families and the community.
### causes the causes of a tragic accident
The reconstruction of events that led to this tragic accident highlights the complexity of potential causes. If the driver’s behavior is often pointed out, it is essential to widen the analysis. Several questions arise: was the truck in good working order? Is the training of drivers on the use of safety devices, such as brakes, sufficient? Are there preventive measures in place to avoid such accidents?
A reflection on the state of infrastructure could also be relevant. Will those who lead to critical points like the 3z roundabout, will they have regular maintenance and an update? Has the management of traffic in this area have been adapted to traffic increases in recent years?
#### A call to better regulation
This tragic event is not an isolated case. Statistics show that road accidents are one of the main causes of world mortality. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the need for better regulation and increased awareness of road safety has become crucial. The government, in collaboration with local authorities, could consider awareness campaigns to remind drivers the importance of road safety rules.
It would also be beneficial to establish training programs for heavy goods vehicles, focused on the appropriate use of safety mechanisms. This type of initiative could help reduce the number of accidents caused by human errors, which are often linked to a lack of adequate training.
#### Conclusion: towards a collective awareness
The tragedy at the 3z roundabout invites us to rethink our approach to road safety. Each accident is an opportunity to think about the measures we can take to prevent future human losses. It is not only a question of getting out of the statistics, but of creating an environment where each road user feels safe.
A collective commitment to improve road safety could save lives. This requires an open dialogue between the authorities, the drivers, and the community. In the end, it is by transforming this pain into action that we can honor the memories of the victims and preserve future lives.