The gendarmerie brigade of the port city of El-Marsa, located 25 kilometres south-west of Laayoune, has begun an investigation among the staff of the seawater desalination station of this city. This investigation follows the discovery at the entrance to the station of the lifeless body of the named Jamaa Rassou Miloudi, a pensioner. The latter worked as a contractor with SNEP, for whom he drove the tanker truck.

At the time of the disaster, this truck was transporting 27.240 tonnes of phosphoric acid, generally used for seawater desalination. This enormous quantity of the dangerous and highly flammable product was being transported to the port of Laayoune from Mohammedia, on board this dilapidated vehicle. The driver had allegedly made this long journey, on board the truck, without help and in the absence of any logistical means guaranteeing his safety on a route known for its danger and frequent accidents.

18 February, which, it is said, is dedicated to National Road Safety Day, must offer, as a priority, the opportunity to resolve this type of problem and to guarantee the safety of road users. Notably the drivers of vehicles transporting dangerous and flammable products.