Lamin Camara Reporting from Banjul
Four people were confirmed death Monday August 5, 2013 as the vehicle they were on board plunges into the stream at Barajally river side in the Central River Region North of The Gambia Police Sources in the Region Confirmed to Gainako News.
A Highly placed Police Sources told this medium that the vehicle which is locally known as Gele-Gele was coming from Pateh-Niamina travelling towards the Brikamaba direction to drop the passengers who were going to attend a local weekly market commonly call LUMMO.
Police sources further confirmed that the vehicle at the time of the accident was traveling at a high speed and suddenly, the brakes failed, the driver lost control resulting in the vehicle plunging straight into the stream. It was unfortunate and tragic as four people were confirmed dead who are reportedly from the same family a police insider said. He also noted that the victims include an old woman; a mother and her baby as well as her foster child.
Police has confirmed that the driver, who is in their custody is helping them in their investigations. The community was shocked beyond belief and the family devastated as they lost several members of their family.
Initial reports confirmed to this reporter that other passengers also sustained minor injuries during the accident who were able to escape before the vehicle plugged into the stream. Tragic as this unfortunate accident was, many of the villagers and close observers of traffic approaching the river were not completely surprised that such an incident could happen. They complained that several drivers speed towards the river all the time. It was only a matter of time before such a tragic accident could occur opined an observer.
Others also complained that there should have been safety barriers or stop signs well before reaching the river bank so drivers could exercise more caution. In fact, such an accident should never have to happen if the government had taken proactive steps to build a simple bridge across the river. Unfortunately, this kind of accident is bound to happen as many other river crossings in Gambia have similar risky problems. This reporter along with Gainako team joins the community to extend our sympathy to the family of the decease. May their souls rest in eternal peace.