A tragic bus crash in Algiers has left 18 people dead and 24 others injured after a passenger bus careened off a bridge and plunged into the Oued El Harrach streambed on Friday evening.
The accident occurred at around 5:45 p.m., shaking the capital and prompting an immediate large-scale rescue effort.
Emergency services rushed to the scene with 25 ambulances, four rescue boats, and 16 divers who worked tirelessly to reach survivors inside the partially submerged vehicle.
Civilians nearby joined the effort before authorities arrived, wading into the water and pulling passengers to safety in the chaotic aftermath. Their actions are being credited with saving multiple lives.
Of the 24 people who sustained injuries, two remain in critical condition. Hospitals in Algiers are on high alert, with medical staff working around the clock to provide urgent care.
Officials said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest the bus lost control before veering off the bridge.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune announced a national day of mourning, ordering flags to be flown at half-mast across Algeria in memory of the victims.
He extended condolences to grieving families and pledged government support to those affected.
The announcement underscores the deep shock and sorrow felt across the nation.
This tragedy is one of the deadliest road accidents to strike Algeria in recent years.
Road safety has long been a concern in the country, with accidents often linked to aging infrastructure, speeding, and poor enforcement of traffic regulations.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stricter safety measures on public transport and urban roads.
As investigations continue, families mourn their loved ones, and survivors face long recoveries, the crash serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need to improve transportation safety.