16.08.2025 22:16
In the El-Harras region of Algeria, 18 people drowned and lost their lives when a passenger bus fell into a riverbed, and 24 others were injured. The injured are being treated in hospitals, and an investigation has been launched regarding the accident. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared a one-day national mourning. Flags were lowered to half-mast across the country.
```html
A terrible accident occurred in the El Harras region of Algeria. In a statement from the General Directorate of Civil Defense of Algeria, it was reported that 18 people drowned in a bus accident that took place in the El-Harraş area, which is part of the capital, Algiers.
5 INJURED IN INTENSIVE CARE
The statement indicated that the injured were first given first aid and then transferred to a local hospital in the area, while the deceased were taken to the Civil Defense Directorate's morgue.
Interior Minister Ibrahim Murad also stated in an interview with state television that 24 people were injured in the accident, most of whom have been discharged, and that 5 people are in intensive care.
CITIZENS' EFFORTS TO RESCUE THE INJURED CAPTURED ON CAMERA
It was noted that the bus involved in the accident was operating between the Er-Riğaya region in the east of the capital and Martyrs' Square in the center. Footage shared on social media showed moments when the bus was submerged in water and citizens were trying to rescue the injured.
AN INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN INITIATED
Following the accident, a high-level delegation, including Presidential Secretary General Bualem Bualem, Interior Minister Murad, Transport Minister Said Sayud, Irrigation Minister Taha Derbal, General Director of Civil Defense Colonel Bualem Buğilaf, and Algerian Governor Muhammed Abdunnur Rabihi, went to the accident site.
Transport Minister Sayud stated that an investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the accident and that the renewal process for approximately 90,000 public transport buses in the country has begun.
NATIONAL MOURNING HAS BEEN DECLARED
Meanwhile, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared a one-day national mourning for those who lost their lives in the accident starting from Friday evening and decided that flags would be flown at half-mast across the country.
```