Ivory Coast: Twenty dead in mini-car collision near Gagnoa
Côte d’Ivoire has once again been the scene of a tragic accident. On Sunday evening, a collision between two minibuses left twenty people dead, highlighting once again the challenges related to road safety in the country. Structural and behavioral causes continue to contribute to a heavy toll on the roads.
The fatal accident in Ahizabré: 20 dead and 11 injured
On Sunday evening, November 10, in Ahizabré, a village located about twenty kilometers from Gagnoa, two 24-seater minibuses collided on the Gagnoa-Soubré road. According to information from the National Office for Civil Protection (ONPC), the accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. local time. The provisional toll is 20 confirmed deaths and 11 injured , according to statements from the nurse at the local health center.
The emergency services, who intervened quickly, completed their operation at the accident site shortly after, confirming the number of victims. The ONPC shared the details of this intervention via a publication on social networks, recalling the sad observation of the human losses caused by such tragedies.
Aggravating factors of accidents in Ivory Coast
Côte d’Ivoire, like many African countries, faces a recurrence of often fatal road accidents. Three major causes aggravate this scourge:
- State of road infrastructure : Many roads are in poor condition, with potholes and irregular maintenance, making travel particularly risky.
- Vehicle density : The increasing number of vehicles, some in poor condition or not meeting safety standards, contributes to dangerous situations.
- Road incivility and unapproved licenses : Reckless driver behavior and lack of proper training – often due to licenses purchased without training at a driving school – add to the danger on the roads.
Conclusion: Awareness and actions needed for road safety
This tragic accident in Ahizabré highlights the need for Côte d’Ivoire to strengthen road safety measures, improve infrastructure, and tighten controls on driving licenses. Without concrete actions, the repetition of these tragedies will unfortunately remain frequent, compromising the safety of thousands of travelers.
