Gainako Online News has received a press release from the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia, dubbed ECOMIG, on a vehicle accident that has claimed the lives of at least two Gambians and injured four others. The presser dated 5th September 2021 and signed by Force Commander, Colonel Cheikh Omar Tamba, explains how an “unnamed” ECOMIG Officer collided with a tricycle carrying 6 and fled the scene.
However, a Point newspaper report indicates “bystanders and witnesses familiar to the scene” alleged that “four were confirmed dead at the scene”. Gainako will make efforts to confirm the condition of the passengers who were struck by the ECOMIG vehicle and if the “unnamed” Officer will be brought to book. Below is the press release from ECOMIG.
ECOMIG PRESS RELEASE
ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVOLVING ECOMIG VEHICLE RESULT IN TWO DEATHS
ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia deeply regret the road traffic accident that occurred near the Mariama Kunda Junction in the early morning of 5 September 2021 involving an ECOMIG vehicle and a tricycle. As a result of the collision, two Gambians on board the tricycle died whilst four others sustained body injuries.
ECOMIG is cooperating with the Mobile Traffic Headquarters of the Gambia Police force to investigate the incident. We also wish to inform the general public that contrary to media reports, the unfortunate incident occurred when the tricycle in trying to avert a pothole allegedly ran into the ECOMIG vehicle from the left direction. However, investigations are underway to further unravel the actual course of the accident.
The Mission takes seriously the issue of road safety and other protocols regarding road usage and is therefore saddened by the tragic accident. Hence, we are taking further measures to strengthen the enforcement of all rules and regulations in our quest for peace and security in the Gambia. We also want to thank the Gambian police and other security agencies as well as the people of The Gambia for their unrelentless corporation and support.
ECOMIG expresses its sincere condolences to the bereaved family of the diseased and wish that the Almighty god grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. We also wish the injured persons speedy recovery. Once again, we wish to reiterate our unalloying commitment to ensure peace and security in the Gambia in particular and West Africa in general.
AN ACCOUNT OF PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION CONDUCTED SO FAR
On 5th September 2021 at about 01: 00 hours, a Gambian contingent ECOMIG was moving from old Yundum towards the general area of Fajara. On reaching Mariama Kunda Junction, a tricycle that was trying to avert a pothole suddenly ran into his lane from the left side of the road which resulted in a collision.
According to the Driver, he stopped and came out of the vehicle to check on the persons in the tricycle so as to help them. However, a mob came to the scene and a gentleman who felt the accident was not his fault told him to flee the scene because the mob would kill him. Therefore, he quickly drove back to Paradise Estate in Old Yundum and the mob followed him in other vehicles. Realizing he was trailed, he left the Vehicle in a nearby house at Paradise Estate and hid from the mob.
Preliminary investigations by the Gambia Police Force at the scene revealed that the tricycle was carrying 6 persons out of which 2 died and 4 sustained injuries. ECOMIG is cooperating with the Gambia Police Force to investigate the incident.