By Haruna Kuyateh
At least seven people were killed and several others injured in a fatal road accident on Wednesday morning along the highway linking Farafenni to Senegambia.
The accident, which occurred between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., involved two Senegalese vehicles — a minibus and a passenger bus — a few metres from the military checkpoint near the 2nd Infantry Battalion barracks in Farafenni.
According to eyewitness accounts, the minibus, carrying 14 passengers and travelling from Senegal to Casamance, collided with a larger bus transporting more than 50 passengers from Casamance to Senegal. The collision was reportedly caused by excessive speeding.
Both vehicles sustained severe damage. Seven passengers died on the spot, while several others suffered serious injuries. Two of the injured are currently receiving treatment at Farafenni General Hospital, while five others were referred to other medical facilities.
Soldiers from the Farafenni 2nd Infantry Battalion, together with fire and ambulance services, assisted in rescue and evacuation efforts.
Authorities have once again urged drivers to observe speed limits and adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent such tragic incidents.