
A fatal accident struck the Guereda-Abéché road near Kiskilè on Sunday, as a Nissan Patrol was swept away by a powerful river current, leaving multiple victims trapped inside the submerged vehicle.
The vehicle, identified by registration number 18C2772 D, was engulfed by rising waters as it attempted to cross the river, according to eyewitness accounts. Mr. Abdoulaye Mahamout Abty Dray, who witnessed the tragedy, confirmed that “lifeless bodies remain inside” the submerged car.
Local residents have been urged to circulate details of the incident, along with the vehicle’s registration information, in an effort to assist authorities and families in identifying the victims. No official list of passengers or confirmed death toll has yet been released.
The Guereda-Abéché corridor, a key route in eastern Chad, is prone to flash floods during the rainy season, when overflowing rivers and poorly maintained crossings can quickly become deadly. The latest incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and the lack of adequate infrastructure on one of the region’s most critical transport links.
Authorities are expected to launch recovery operations to retrieve the vehicle and the victims, though heavy currents and challenging terrain have reportedly hampered initial efforts.
Local officials have yet to release a formal statement, but the accident has already sparked calls from community leaders for urgent government intervention to improve road infrastructure and implement stricter safety measures along flood-prone routes.
As families await news of their loved ones, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by travelers in remote areas during the peak of Chad’s rainy season.