Fatal Motorcycle Accident in Tangier’s Tunnel
A tragic accident occurred on Sunday, June 22, in the Milk Tunnel of Tangier, resulting in one death and another individual suffering severe injuries. This incident is part of a troubling pattern of motorcycle accidents in the city’s tunnels, despite an existing ban on motorcycle access.
Witnesses reported a distressing scene as blood pooled on the pavement, with citizens attempting unsuccessfully to clean the area by dousing it with water, echoing their shock at the brutality of what they witnessed.
Ban on Motorcycles
In May 2025, the Tangier municipality implemented a regulation prohibiting all types of motorcycles, including electric models, from entering the city’s underground passages. This decision was a response to a disturbing rise in fatal traffic incidents, particularly in the Milk Tunnel, where motorcycles are often involved.
However, weeks after the ban, enforcement appears weak, with motorcycles continuing to traverse the tunnels unchecked, endangering both riders and pedestrians. This laxity highlights a significant lack of enforcement and commitment from authorities to implement existing laws.
Motorcycles, especially of the "Sania" type, have been identified as a primary cause of these accidents. These vehicles often do not meet basic safety standards and are commonly used by youth and minors who disregard traffic rules and fail to wear helmets.
For example, in March 2025, a 19-year-old and his 13-year-old sister lost their lives in a similar incident in the Milk Tunnel when their motorcycle slipped and crashed into a concrete column.
Wider Traffic Issues in Tangier
The increase in motorcycle accidents is not restricted to tunnels but extends throughout the city’s streets. Official data indicates that Tangier records between 80 to 90 motorcycle traffic violations daily, contributing to frequent accidents that sometimes result in fatalities or serious injuries. This scenario reflects a worsening traffic chaos exacerbated by a lack of awareness regarding traffic laws and insufficient security oversight, given the limited number of traffic police compared to the city’s expanding requirements.
The problem extends beyond individual behavior to public policies as well. The allowance for importing and selling motorcycles without stringent safety standards falls under the responsibility of policymakers. Additionally, the rental of motorcycles to minors, especially during events like Eid, compounds the issue, as inexperienced youths ride without adequate understanding of the risks involved.
Call for Comprehensive Intervention
Addressing this phenomenon requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach. First, the enforcement of the motorcycle ban in tunnels must be strengthened, with strict penalties for violators and heightened security measures in these critical areas. Second, there is an urgent need to tighten regulations on the sale and use of non-compliant motorcycles. Third, awareness campaigns targeting young people are essential to promote a culture of road safety, emphasizing the importance of wearing helmets and adhering to traffic regulations.
