A serious traffic accident occurred on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, in Farafenni, The Gambia, involving two vehicles traveling from Dakar and Kolda. In response to this tragedy, the National Fire Brigade (BNSP) issued an official statement detailing an exceptionally large-scale rescue operation.

A heavy human toll

The collision resulted in 17 victims in total. Among them were 14 Senegalese nationals (six of whom died), two from Guinea-Bissau, and one person whose identity has yet to be established, according to the statement. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the El Hadj Ibrahima Niass Hospital by teams from the National Fire Brigade (BNSP).

Under the authority of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, a major logistical response was deployed to ensure the care of the wounded:

Air evacuation: The Air Force mobilized a military aircraft with specialized teams.

Ground relay: The Emergency Medical Relief Unit (USUM) pre-positioned five medicalized ambulances in Dakar, allowing the admission of the injured to the Main Hospital at 11:45 p.m.

Overall logistics: In total, 80 Senegalese personnel (including 13 officers and 17 non-commissioned officers) and 20 technical resources (including 15 ambulances) were involved in this operation.

Exemplary cross-border solidarity

The BNSP press release commended the outstanding work of its Gambian partners. The collaboration between Gambian military personnel, paramedics, and hospital staff in Bakau and Farafenni was crucial. This support was further strengthened on the ground by the presence of Senegalese military and gendarmerie personnel based in The Gambia, demonstrating excellent synergy between the defense and security forces of both nations.

The National Fire Brigade concluded its message by offering its condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.