A head-on collision between a minibus and a truck left 13 people dead and two others injured early Monday on the Western Desert Road near Al-Ghanayem centre in Assiut governorate.
Local authorities reported that the truck was driving in the wrong direction when it crashed into the minibus, which was traveling from Aswan to Cairo. The impact severely damaged both vehicles, trapping several passengers inside.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, working to rescue survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals. The bodies of the deceased were taken to local morgues for identification. Cranes and heavy machinery cleared the wreckage to restore traffic flow.
Egypt’s Public Prosecution has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Officials are examining possible traffic violations, driver negligence, and mechanical failures.
The Western Desert Road has seen several deadly accidents in recent years, despite government efforts to improve road infrastructure and enforce stricter safety measures. While Egypt recorded fewer road fatalities in 2023—5,861 compared to 7,762 in 2022—injuries have risen sharply. Data from the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) shows accident-related injuries increased from 55,991 in 2022 to 71,016 in 2023.
Authorities continue to push for better road safety, but reckless driving and traffic violations remain major challenges on Egypt’s highways.