Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a tragic incident on Egypt’s Red Sea coastal highway early Tuesday, a tourist bus collided violently with a heavy truck close to Ras Gharib, situated north of Hurghada. The collision has claimed the lives of two individuals and resulted in injuries to 39 others, including a group of foreign tourists on a trip from Hurghada to Cairo.

Reports confirm that both the bus driver and a passenger were among the deceased. The injured passengers comprise 27 Russians, seven Finns, two Lithuanians, and three Egyptians, including a tour guide and the truck driver. The severity of the accident was such that the bus's front section was completely obliterated.

Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene, transporting the wounded to Ras Gharib Central Hospital. Several victims are under close observation due to the critical nature of their injuries.

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with various foreign embassies, is providing necessary support to the tourists affected. Meanwhile, the Ras Gharib Prosecution has initiated a thorough investigation, which encompasses on-site inspections, collection of CCTV evidence, and witness interviews to ascertain the accident's cause.

Initial reports indicate that either driver distraction or excessive speed might have played a role in this tragic collision. Local experts and residents have long advocated for the establishment of dedicated lanes for heavy vehicles on this heavily trafficked coastal road, notorious for a series of deadly accidents, particularly during the bustling winter tourism season.

Authorities are diligently pursuing investigations to clarify the events surrounding this unfortunate highway incident.

#Global