A devastating accident occurred on Friday, 30 October 2026, on the Red Sea Highway in Egypt, involving a passenger bus and a heavy truck loaded with sand. The crash took place approximately 6 miles past the Jabal al-Zeit area, heading towards Ras Gharib, in the Red Sea Governorate. According to officials, the bus struck the truck from behind, causing significant damage and partly blocking traffic. The incident resulted in three fatalities, including the bus driver, and 25 injuries.

The injured individuals were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals via dozens of ambulances. Five of the injured were foreign nationals: a French citizen, an Italian, and three Russians. Their injuries ranged from moderate to critical, including fractures and bruises. The Red Sea Governorate's health undersecretary, Ismail al-Arabi, visited the injured at Ras Gharib Central Hospital. Some of the most serious cases were subsequently transferred to Hurghada General Hospital for further treatment.

The site of the accident was at the 95th kilometer marker of the road, and photographs from the scene showed the front of the bus badly crushed. Local news reports indicated that the bus had collided with the truck from behind. The severity of the crash and the number of casualties necessitated a significant emergency response.

Following the accident, security and traffic officials worked to clear the wreckage and restore the flow of traffic. Their prompt action helped minimize disruptions to travelers and local residents. The Egyptian authorities took steps to ensure that the injured received medical attention and that the incident was thoroughly investigated.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the cause of the accident, seeking to determine whether criminal negligence or traffic violations were involved. As part of the investigation, authorities will examine both vehicles and take statements from the injured and witnesses. This process aims to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

The incident highlights the importance of road safety measures and the need for vigilance among drivers. Egyptian authorities have been working to improve road infrastructure and enforce traffic regulations to reduce the number of accidents on the country's highways. The investigation's findings will be crucial in determining the cause of this specific incident.

The Egyptian community and international travelers alike have been affected by this tragic event. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic laws and exercising caution while driving. The authorities' efforts to investigate and respond to the incident have been notable, and their work will help prevent similar accidents in the future.

Key points

  • Three people were killed and 25 others injured in a bus-truck collision on Egypt's Red Sea Highway on October 30, 2026.
  • The accident involved a passenger bus and a heavy truck loaded with sand, and the cause is under investigation.
  • Five of the injured were foreign nationals, and the incident has highlighted the importance of road safety measures in Egypt.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.