Four personnel of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) serving in the State Guards Battalion died in a road traffic accident (RTA) of the President convoy, the GAF High Command announced on Thursday.
The deceased persons in the accident of the State House convoy vehicle with registration number BJL 3036 Q are Kebba Sanneh (Deceased) Ansumana Danso – (Deceased) Saihou Touray (Deceased) and Ousman Jobe (Deceased).
Only Ndenneh Bahoum, a 29-year-old soldier, was said to be the only survivor and is currently admitted at Sulayman Junkung General Hospital in Beam.
“The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) High Command regrets to inform the general public of a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) involving its personnel serving in the State Guards Battalion. The accident which involved 5 soldiers who were travelling as part of the rear party of the Presidential Convoy occurred today Thursday 11 August 2022 around Ndemban Village.
According to reports gathered so far, there were several fatalities. However, the Military Police in collaboration with the Gambia Police Forces are investigating the circumstances leading to the cause of the accident. The general public would be duly informed of any developments as the situation unfolds.
We fervently pray for the deceased to rest in eternal peace and for the speedy recovery of the injured soldiers,” Lieutenant Colonel Lamin K Sanyang said in a statement made available on Thursday.
Source noted that the vehicle involved in the accident was part of the First Lady’s convoy and is a backup vehicle.
“The accident happened in Ndemban (around the garden ) in Foni, after the driver of the vehicle, Corporal Saikou Touray lost control of the vehicle and somersaulted, Killing four soldiers onboard including the driver,” said a source.