A car crash in Kartong has left passengers hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries after their car somersaulted while evading a stray cow crossing the road.

Eyewitnesses said the car was over speeding before the driver lost control of the vehicle.

“Earlier today at the outskirts of the southern border of Kartong, [the actions of] an incompetent driver resulted in a crash leaving passengers on board with series of bruises,” Dawda Bah, an official from the road safety organisation Save Life Gambia said, adding “the accident occurred due to poor driving skills.”

“The driver who was over speeding failed to hit the brakes on a crossing cow and [while swerving to avoid hitting] the cow lost control of the stirring wheel which resulted in the car falling over the sides of the highway,” Mr Bah added.

While passengers on board are sent to hospital to receive some treatment, the driver is currently in police custody, he said.

Mr Bah called for action to be taken against stray animals like cows, goats, sheep, pigs and others domestic animals, adding despite the animals also having rights to roam.

“[The] Government, we the people of Kombo South are claiming our space to walk. We want speed bumps and zebra crossing in front of all schools and busy crossing point sited along this highway. 

“We want it now because the more you delay, the increase in crashes will continue. Will you hear our calls now and address this worrying pandemic, will you give us the same actions you giving to Covid-19?”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba