Politburo member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Minister of Foreign Relations Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla tweeted Cuba’s deep sorrow at the tragic road accident that left Senegal in mourning.
“Our solidarity and condolences to the Senegalese people and government, which we extend to the families and close friends of the victims. We wish the injured a speedy recovery,” said the Foreign Minister on Twitter about the event, which claimed more than 38 lives and more than 80 injuries in the African country.
We deeply regret the tragic road accident that has saddened Senegal.
Our solidarity and condolences go out to the Senegalese people and government, which we extend to the families and close friends of the victims. We wish the injured a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/zyDV1KAido
— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) January 9, 2023
The accident happened near the town of Sikilo in the Kaffrine region, about 200 kilometers south-east of this capital, at around 03:30 local time on the number one national road, the Republic Prosecutor’s Office reported.
According to the initial findings of the police investigation, a bus used for public transport left its lane after a tire burst and collided head-on with an oncoming bus.
Colonel Cheikh Fall, in charge of the rescue operations, said there were 125 casualties, including many fatalities.
Authorities called the accident one of the worst in years and said the injured were taken to Kaffrine Hospital. Senegalese President Macky Sall decreed a three-day national duet starting tomorrow.
The Senegalese authorities reported that an inter-ministerial council will be held later to take concrete measures on road safety and public transport.