Algeria: 18 killed, nine injured as bus skids off bridge and plunges into river

Algeria’s president declares one-day mourning after deadly bus crash

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STOCK ambulance
The bus skidded off the road in the Mohammadia district late Friday and plummeted into the river. Illustrative image.
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Dubai: At least18 people were killed and nine injured when a bus plunged off a bridge into the Oued El Harrach river in the capital, Algiers, local media reported.

The bus skidded off the road in the Mohammadia district late Friday and plummeted into the river, Algeria’s state press agency said. Civil Defence units dispatched 25 ambulances, 16 divers and four boats to the scene, where recovery efforts stretched into the night.

 Local media reported that residents jumped into the ravine to pull passengers from the wreckage before emergency crews arrived. Most victims drowned, officials said, while two of the injured remained in critical condition at a local hospital.

The footage shows rescuers carrying fragments of the battered white bus from the water, its windows shattered and doors torn away. Dozens of emergency vehicles crowded the riverside as divers searched for victims.

 President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared a national day of mourning after the deadly bus crash. The accident is one of the deadliest road disasters in Algeria in recent years, underscoring persistent safety concerns on the country’s highways.

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public.​ Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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