Road accidents linked to Senegal’s Grand Magal pilgrimage have claimed 21 lives since the National Fire Brigade launched its emergency operation on July 28, up from 12 fatalities reported over the week-end.
The brigade said on Sunday, August 2, it had responded to 309 emergencies, assisting 503 people. Of these, 221 were road accidents involving 451 people, with 21 deaths recorded. A total of 563 firefighters and 91 emergency and support vehicles were deployed to provide rescue, firefighting and medical services during the pilgrimage.
The Grand Magal, one of Senegal’s largest religious gatherings, took place on Sunday in the central city of Touba, with organisers expecting more than six million pilgrims and visitors.