(Abidjan) Fifteen people died on Saturday in an accident between a minibus and a truck in central Côte d’Ivoire, Transport Minister Amadou Koné announced on Sunday.
“Saturday, around 7 p.m. (local and GMT), a serious road traffic accident occurred at PK 10 of the A3 between the towns of Katiola and Bouaké,” the minister said in a statement.
“The accident which recorded a heavy toll, 15 killed and injured, again mourning our country, involved a minicar and a parked goods transport truck”, he continued.
Fatal accidents are frequent in Côte d’Ivoire, due to the poor condition of certain roads and many vehicles, as well as the incivility of drivers.
Many motorists are also holders of purchased permits, without having ever attended a driving school.
Ivory Coast introduced the 1er march a license with points. Each driver holding the license has a capital of 12 points which can be gradually withdrawn according to the infringements.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 people are killed each year on the roads of Côte d’Ivoire, according to the Ministry of Transport.