ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast — A tragic accident involving a freight truck and a passenger bus occurred in Ivory Coast on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 individuals and leaving numerous others injured, according to official reports.

The collision took place in Ponan-Ouinlo, a village situated in the western part of the nation. The Ministry of Transport released a statement regarding the incident but did not provide details regarding the underlying cause. An inquiry is underway to determine the specifics of the crash.

Reports indicate that the bus was carrying 70 passengers at the time of the crash. Additional information from the National Office for Civil Protection revealed that 23 individuals sustained injuries during the incident, which has raised significant concern among local authorities. Images shared by emergency services depict the bus severely damaged, with its roof completely crushed.

Traffic accidents are a frequent occurrence in this West African country, largely due to poor road conditions and negligent driving practices. The Transportation Ministry has reported that over 1,000 fatalities occur annually as a result of such incidents.

In a recent similar accident, 26 people lost their lives, and at least 28 others were injured when two minivans collided and caught fire just last month. This ongoing issue has prompted the government to take action in an effort to enhance road safety.

Last year, officials implemented a new point-based system for driver’s licenses, with each driver initially starting with 12 points. Accumulated violations result in the gradual deduction of these points. Additionally, surveillance cameras have been installed along major highways to monitor traffic violations and issue fines to offenders, aimed at improving driving behavior across the country.