A devastating accident occurred in the night of September 23, 2026, in Kissidougou, Guinea, when a vehicle carrying a wedding party crashed into a river, resulting in 12 fatalities. The vehicle, an Opel with license plate BL-5237.02, was traveling from Banian when it lost control and plunged into the river. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with the city still reeling from the tragedy.
Search operations resumed on the morning of September 24, with local fishermen playing a crucial role in retrieving three additional bodies, bringing the total death toll to 12. Only two occupants, the newlywed groom and the driver, survived the accident. The victims included the bride, three young girls aged between 1 and 7, and nine other women and girls. The community is in mourning, with the victims being buried in a mass funeral.
According to the gendarmerie, the accident was caused by excessive speeding. The vehicle had traveled 19 meters from the point where it hit a pothole to the edge of the road and then 30 meters to the river. The driver, Boubacar Barry, who surrendered to the authorities along with the groom, will be presented to the prosecutor on September 25. The gendarmerie has pointed to the driver's reckless behavior as the primary cause of the accident.
The victims have been identified as Mariam Ciré Diallo, Ramatoulaye Diallo, Adama Sow, Lamah Diallo, Safiatou Diallo, Maïmouna Baldé, Kadiatou Diakité, Binta Barry, Aminata Diakité, Nènè Sila Sow, Adama Barry, and Adama Diallo. The community is still grappling with the aftermath of the tragedy, with many left to mourn the loss of loved ones.
The gendarmerie has completed its preliminary investigation, and the driver will face charges related to the accident. The incident has raised concerns about road safety in the region, with many calling for greater measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The authorities have promised to take steps to improve road conditions and enforce traffic laws.
The accident has sparked an outpouring of sympathy from the community, with many offering condolences to the families of the victims. The local mosque held a funeral prayer for the victims, and they were buried in a mass grave at the Kissidougou cemetery. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving.
The authorities have announced plans to take action against reckless driving, with the prosecutor instructing systematic checks to be carried out. The incident has also highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and road maintenance in the region. The community remains in shock, with many still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.
Key points
- - 12 people killed in a wedding convoy accident in Kissidougou, Guinea - The accident was caused by excessive speeding, according to the gendarmerie - The victims included the bride, three young girls, and nine other women and girls
