ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — A tragic collision involving two minibuses in Ivory Coast on Friday resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals and left 28 others injured, according to statements from local authorities.

The accident occurred in Brokoua, a village located in the central-western region of the country. The transport ministry reported the incident but refrained from sharing specific details, highlighting instead that an investigation is currently underway.

As per the ministry’s report, a portion of the casualties—specifically ten out of the 26 fatalities—were due to a fire that erupted following the collision. Eyewitness videos caught by local media revealed the two vehicles engulfed in flames at the scene of the tragedy.

In the wake of the accident, the Minister of Transport urged all road users to exercise caution, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. The ministry reiterated the necessity for vigilance among drivers and passengers alike.

Road incidents frequently occur in this West African nation, attributed largely to poor road conditions and reckless driving behaviors. Reports have indicated that more than 1,000 fatalities arise from road accidents each year in Ivory Coast.

In a recent incident from the previous month, 21 people lost their lives, and at least ten others were injured due to another road accident. Earlier in the year, a separate collision involving a tanker truck and a bus in northern Ivory Coast resulted in 13 deaths and 44 injuries.

To combat these alarming statistics, authorities instituted a point-based driver’s license system last year, where each driver starts with a total of 12 points. Points can be deducted for traffic violations. Additionally, surveillance cameras have been installed along major roadways to monitor and penalize offenders.