The accident occurred in the early morning when the Brikama-bound sprinter reportedly lost control while attempting to avoid a taxi making a sudden u-turn at the junction commonly referred to as “Garage,” along the highway leading to the Basic Cycle School. Eyewitnesses said the vehicle veered off the road and plunged into the nursery school premises, eventually coming to a halt just a few metres from the classrooms.
Though no pupils were present at the time of the incident, residents described the situation as a “near disaster,” warning that the outcome could have been catastrophic had the accident occurred during school hours.
The driver, the sole victim of the crash, was swiftly rescued from the wreckage by neighbours and rushed to the Brikama Health Centre for medical attention. His condition was not immediately disclosed.
The incident has reignited long-standing concerns by residents and the Bakary Sambouya Village Development Committee (VDC) over persistent reckless driving and speeding along the Bakary Sambouya–Brikama Highway. Community members say similar accidents have occurred repeatedly along the stretch, posing a constant threat to pedestrians, schoolchildren and roadside properties.
In a statement, the VDC expressed deep concern over the growing dangers and renewed its call for urgent intervention by the relevant authorities, particularly the National Roads Authority (NRA). According to the committee, several appeals have already been made for the construction of speed bumps and the erection of clear “No U-Turn” signboards at the busy junction to control traffic and prevent further accidents.
“We cannot wait for lives to be lost before action is taken,” a community representative said. “This accident should serve as a wake-up call to protect our children and residents.”
As the damaged school fence awaits repairs, residents are urging authorities to act swiftly to implement traffic-control measures, warning that without decisive action, Bakary Sambouya may only be one accident away from a major tragedy.
