At least 22 pilgrims, among them Gambians, lost their lives in a series of road accidents linked to the annual Magal pilgrimage in Touba, Senegal.
The Senegalese National Fire Brigade reported that within just four days, 270 accidents were recorded as millions of pilgrims made their way to the holy city. These incidents accounted for more than half of the brigade’s total interventions during the pilgrimage.
Among the dead were two young Gambians—a driver and his apprentice—who died after their passenger vehicle collided with a truck. In total, 660 people were affected by road accidents, with 22 confirmed dead and hundreds injured. Overall, 26 fatalities and 747 injuries were recorded from all incidents tied to the pilgrimage.
One of the worst accidents occurred on the road to Darou Mouhty, where a public transport vehicle overturned, leaving 24 passengers injured.
Authorities have linked the sharp rise in accidents to heavy traffic congestion and unsafe driving practices during the mass movement of pilgrims. Officials urged road users to exercise caution, avoid speeding and overloading, wear seat belts, and use pedestrian crossings.
Despite repeated warnings, earlier figures had already shown 75 accidents within the first 48 hours of the pilgrimage, resulting in five deaths and 170 injuries.
The tragedy has renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement and safer road practices to prevent further loss of life during such large religious gatherings.
