Authorities in Ivory Coast confirmed on Monday that 21 people were killed and at least 10 others injured in a horrific road accident.
The incident occurred on Sunday night along the highway connecting Soubré, a southwestern city, to Gagnoa, a town in the south-central region. The Ministry of Transport released a statement detailing the tragedy but withheld further specifics about the circumstances.
An investigation has been launched into the accident, authorities confirmed. The Ministry of Transport emphasized the importance of road safety in the wake of this disaster.
In a statement, the Ministry urged all road users to be vigilant, stressing the need to follow traffic regulations. It specifically called for caution when overtaking and for drivers to adjust their speed in accordance with posted limits.
This latest crash adds to a grim pattern of road accidents in Ivory Coast. Earlier this year, a tanker truck collided with a bus in the northern part of the country, killing 13 people and injuring 44 others.
Accidents are a persistent problem in Ivory Coast, with deteriorating road conditions and reckless driving often to blame. The Ministry reports that over 1,000 people die in road accidents annually.
In response, the government introduced a point-based driver’s license system last year, where each driver starts with 12 points. Points are deducted for violations. Additionally, cameras have been installed on major roads to catch offenders and issue fines.
