A chartered private jet carrying members of The Gambia’s under-16 boys’ and girls’ national basketball teams, who were recently involved in a road accident in Guinea, landed safely at Banjul International Airport on Saturday morning.

The young athletes were returning from Guinea, where they were headed to participate in the FIBA Africa Zone II U-16 Championship before tragedy struck on Thursday evening. The teams were travelling by road through Linsan, Kindia Prefecture, when their bus was involved in a serious accident. While there were no fatalities, several players and officials sustained injuries and were treated at the Kindia Regional Hospital.

Following widespread concern and condemnation over the travel arrangements, the Office of the President swiftly intervened and arranged a private medical evacuation to ensure the injured delegation’s safe return. Medical personnel accompanied the team throughout the journey to provide continuous care.

The scene at Banjul International Airport was sombre yet filled with relief as government officials, sports administrators, and family members gathered to welcome the athletes back home.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Gambia Basketball Association have faced heavy criticism for the decision to transport the teams by road on such a long journey. The Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG) condemned the arrangements as unsafe and unacceptable, urging a full investigation and stronger safety protocols for national teams, particularly youth athletes.

Despite the trauma, officials say all injured players are now in stable condition and will continue to receive medical attention and psychological support as needed.

The accident has reignited calls for improved welfare, logistics, and safeguarding measures for Gambian athletes representing the country abroad.