Garowe, Puntland – September 2, 2024 – A devastating roadside accident in Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland, has resulted in the deaths of a mother and her son, with two additional individuals suffering serious injuries.
The collision occurred on Sunday at a control point in the city, igniting concerns over increasing traffic safety issues in the Nugal region.
Eyewitnesses report that the fatal accident involved a vehicle carrying the deceased victims and an auto-rickshaw.
The crash took place at a control point, a location typically marked for its high traffic and regulatory checks. The impact was severe, leading to immediate fatalities and critical injuries.
Puntland Traffic Police responded quickly to the scene, arresting the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash. The driver, who survived the collision, is now under investigation to determine liability for the incident. Authorities are examining factors that might have contributed to the crash, including potential negligence or recklessness.
The driver of the auto-rickshaw and a passenger were both seriously injured in the collision.
They are currently receiving medical treatment at a private hospital in Garowe. Their conditions remain critical as medical teams work to stabilize them.
This tragic incident highlights a troubling trend in the Nugal region, where Garowe is situated.
According to the Puntland Road Safety Authority, approximately 50 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents this year alone. The rising number of accidents has been attributed to deteriorating road conditions and an increase in reckless driving.
The recent accident has intensified calls for urgent measures to address the growing traffic safety crisis in Puntland. Deteriorating infrastructure and insufficient road safety enforcement have been cited as contributing factors to the increasing frequency of accidents.