Algeria bus crash claims dozens of lives as rescue teams work through the night
A passenger bus left the road and plunged into a ravine near the coastal town of Boumerdes, east of Algiers, on Friday morning, leaving at least 25 people dead and many more injured. Algeria’s civil defence agency confirmed the grim numbers and warned that the final death toll could still climb as recovery efforts continue.
Teams reached the scene around 9:40 am local time after receiving emergency calls. Rescuers described a difficult operation because the bus had fallen into a steep ravine, making it hard to reach some of the passengers quickly. Officials said 44 people were taken to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from minor cuts to serious trauma. Medical staff remain on high alert as more survivors may still need urgent care.
This is the deadliest road accident Algeria has seen in recent years. Last August a similar crash near Algiers killed 18 people when another bus went into a ravine. In December, 14 passengers died after a bus overturned in the southern region of Bechar. These repeated tragedies have put pressure on authorities to improve road safety across the country.
Road safety officials say human factors, especially speeding, remain the leading cause of serious crashes in Algeria. Drivers often push vehicles beyond safe limits on winding coastal and mountain roads. In 2025 alone, traffic accidents claimed 3,838 lives and left more than 37,000 people injured, according to official figures. The numbers show how dangerous the country’s roads can be when basic rules are ignored.
Families of the victims gathered near the crash site and at hospitals, waiting for news. Many expressed shock and anger that such accidents keep happening. Local residents also helped rescue workers by guiding them along the steep path to the wreckage. Civil defence teams used ropes, stretchers and heavy equipment to bring people out of the ravine safely.
Investigators have not yet announced the exact reason the bus left the road. They are checking the vehicle’s condition, the driver’s statement and weather or road surface factors. For now the focus remains on treating the injured and recovering the bodies of those who lost their lives.
The Algeria bus crash near Boumerdes has once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger road safety measures, better vehicle checks and stricter enforcement of speed limits. As the country mourns the latest victims, many hope this tragedy will finally push officials to act before more lives are lost on the same dangerous roads.
