Côte d’Ivoire bus plunge on Bafing River kills 24, injures 36
A 60‑seat bus operated by Diarra Transport slipped off the Bafing bridge on the Touba‑Biankouma highway in western Côte d’Ivoire on 13 July 2026. The vehicle, carrying 69 occupants, fell into the Bafing River after a front‑tire blowout caused loss of control. Emergency crews rescued survivors and recovered bodies, confirming 24 deaths and 36 injuries. The victims were taken to hospitals in Touba and Biankouma for treatment. The Ministry of Transport announced an administrative and technical investigation, dispatching the Bureau Enquête Analyse Accident and regional transport directors to the crash site. The minister expressed condolences to families and urged stricter road‑safety compliance during the rainy season.