A massive traffic jam brought chaos to roads leading to Alger, stranding thousands of travelers, on Sunday morning. The RN05 and autoroute sections between Ahnif and Lakhdaria experienced severe congestion, with traffic queuing over 6 kilometers long. Motorists were forced to shut off their engines and seek shade to escape the scorching heat, which reached 39 degrees Celsius by 10 am and was expected to peak at 43 degrees by midday.
The cause of the congestion was unclear, but speculations pointed to either an accident or a planned sit-in by retired and dismissed Algerian National People's Army personnel in Alger. A Citroën Berlingot utility vehicle lost control and overturned in Djebahia, but its occupants escaped unharmed. However, this incident did not justify the extensive security presence in Bouira, with police deployed at city entrances and on the autoroute.
The unexpected traffic gridlock severely impacted travelers, including those with medical appointments in Alger. Many were unable to reach their destinations, and some had to cancel or reschedule appointments that had been pending for months. Frustrated travelers took to social media to share photos of the massive traffic jams and warn others about the situation.
Tarik, a stranded father of two, expressed his desperation, saying they were supposed to depart from Houari Boumediene Airport for Paris at 11 am but were stuck on the autoroute near Lakhdaria. With his children suffering in the heat and their water supplies dwindling, Tarik was at a loss for what to do, unable to continue to Alger or turn back.
Social media platforms and specialized traffic websites reported a complete halt in traffic toward Alger, citing congestion at multiple locations, including Bordj Bou Arreridj, Bouira, and Lakhdaria. The situation left many people, including patients and their companions, stranded and facing uncertain delays.
The severe traffic disruptions highlighted the challenges of traveling in Algeria, particularly during peak periods or special events. With temperatures soaring and travelers facing significant delays, authorities may need to address underlying issues contributing to such congestion and develop strategies to mitigate the impact on citizens.
As travelers continued to face difficulties, authorities and emergency services worked to manage the situation and restore order on the roads. The incident served as a reminder of the importance of contingency planning and effective communication to minimize disruptions and ensure public safety during unexpected events.
Key points
- Thousands of Algerians were stranded due to traffic congestion and security measures on roads leading to Alger.
- The cause of the congestion was unclear, with speculations pointing to either an accident or a planned sit-in by retired and dismissed Algerian National People's Army personnel.
- The incident highlighted the challenges of traveling in Algeria, particularly during peak periods or special events.
