Pope Francis Condoles with Victims of Senegal’s Tragic Road Accident, Expresses Closeness

According to a media report, Senegal’s Public prosecutor, Cheikh Dieng, says that the crash happened on National Road No. 1 when a public bus punctured a tire and veered across the road, colliding with another bus coming from the opposite direction.

“At least 78 people are injured, some of them seriously,” a report by the National Public Radio (NPR), an American nonprofit media organization headquartered in Washington, D.C, indicates.

“Traffic crashes happen regularly in the West African nation because of poor roads, bad cars, and drivers not adhering to the rules,” locals say in the January 8 NPR report.

In a tweet following the accident, President Sall also condoled with the families of the victims and wished quick recovery to the injured.

“I am deeply saddened by today's tragic road accident in Gniby, resulting in 40 deaths and many serious injuries,” says the Senegalese president in his January 8 tweet message.

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He adds, “I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a speedy recovery.”

The 61-year-old president who doubles as the chairperson of the African Union (UN) declared a period of national mourning, stating, “Following today's serious accident in Gniby, which caused 40 deaths, I have decided to declare a three-day national mourning period starting January 9.”

President Sall promised to hold an inter-ministerial council to discuss road safety, including taking “firm measures on road safety and public transport.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.