At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured during a bus accident in the African nation of Senegal, according to its president.
President Macky Sall said in a Twitter post that the crash occurred in Gnivy Village at about 3:30 a.m. local time Sunday.
At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured in a bus crash in central Senegal, President Macky Sall said Sunday.https://t.co/vWkAanIAcE
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 9, 2023
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic road accident today in Gniby, causing 40 deaths and many serious injuries. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," Sall tweeted.
"Following today's serious accident in Gniby which caused 40 deaths, I have decided on a 3-day national mourning from January 9th," he continued.
"An interministerial council will be held on the same date to take firm measures on road safety and public passenger transport," Sall added.
Suite au grave accident de ce jour à Gniby ayant causé 40 morts, j’ai décidé d’un deuil national de 3 jours à compter du 9 janvier. Un conseil interministériel se tiendra à la même date pour la prise de mesures fermes sur la sécurité routière et le transport public des voyageurs.
— Macky Sall (@Macky_Sall) January 8, 2023
"Public prosecutor Cheikh Dieng said 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, he said," the Associated Press reported.
"Images of the crash on social media show the damaged buses rammed into each other and a trail of debris along the road," it added.
Senegal President Macky Sall declares mourning period after bus crash kills 40 https://t.co/D4Rg2TssHg
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) January 8, 2023
"Preliminary investigations suggested that one of the buses suffered a burst tyre and collided head-on with an oncoming bus, officials said," according to the BBC.
Many passengers have been taken to a local hospital and medical center for treatment, the outlet also reported.
Vehicle accidents are common in Senegal but the bus crash was one of the nation's deadliest in years.
The nation mourns the loss of many of its citizens in the tragic accident that has made headlines worldwide as news of the lost lives has spread following the president's words of mourning.