At least 6 people were killed and 19 injured when a speeding passenger van, known locally as gelle gelle, collided with a truck in Pirang on Friday.

According to the Gambia Police the passenger van was travelling from Bajagarr to Brikama on the Trans-Gambia Highway when the fatal accident occurred.

The police spokesman, Lamin Njie, said: “the accident occurred on Friday 7th June 2019 at about 06:15 hours (local time), around Pirang- Faraba along the Trans-Gambia Highway.”

“It involved a motor vehicle with registration number Bjl 3236 L Lima Truck driven by Babucarr Mbye, 27 years old of Old Yundum heading to Bullock and another  vehicle with registration Bjl 7516 N, 26 passenger sprinter van driven by 25 year old Musa Gibba of Jalokoto Foni.

“At the Pirang- Faraba bend, Musa Gibba driver to the van was overtaking another vehicle with speed when he lost control of the steering and collided with the truck driven by Babucarr Mbye resulting in a serious crash.

“The accident claimed the lives of the following people: Ismaila Badjie 27 years old of Bajagar village, Fatou Njai 70 years old of Somita village, Musa Jallow 25 years old of Arangal Foni, Hamadi Sabally 41 years old of Bondali village and Anna Jarju also of Bajagar village making the number of fatalities to six individuals.

“Several others are admitted at Brikama Major Health Center and Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital for injuries at various degrees.

“The Police have opened an investigation into the accident. Meanwhile the two drivers are helping the Police in their investigations.

“Drivers are strictly warned to desist from speeding and dangerous driving as the police will not hesitate to apply the laws.”