Authorities in Ivory Coast reported Monday that a road accident claimed the lives of 21 people and left at least 10 others injured.

The incident occurred late Sunday night on a road between Soubré and Gagnoa, according to a statement from the Ministry of Transport.

While details of the accident remain scarce, the Ministry of Transport confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause. The ministry urged drivers to exercise caution, particularly with speed limits and overtaking practices. “The Ministry of Transport calls on all road users to be more vigilant in road traffic, by complying with traffic regulations,” the statement said.

This latest tragedy follows a deadly crash earlier this year in which a tanker truck collided with a bus in northern Ivory Coast, killing 13 people and injuring 44. Road accidents are common in the country, often attributed to poor road conditions and reckless driving, with over 1,000 fatalities reported annually.

To combat the high rate of traffic accidents, Ivory Coast introduced a point-based driver’s license system last year, where each driver starts with 12 points, subject to deduction based on traffic violations. Additionally, surveillance cameras have been installed on major roads to monitor and penalize traffic offenses. (ILKHA)