A devastating bus accident in Algiers has claimed the lives of 18 people and left 24 others injured after a passenger vehicle fell off a bridge and ran into the Oued El Harrach streambed at about 5:45 pm on Friday.
Rescue teams rushed to the site, with 25 ambulances, 16 divers, and four boats to help rescue the people involved. Before emergency crews could fully take over the scenerio, civilians bravely stepped in, diving into the water to help bring out victims from the half submerged bus.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has declared a national day of mourning, ordering flags to be flown at half-mast while offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Officials confirmed that two of the injured remain in critical condition. The cause of the deadly crash is still under investigation.
Still, the initiative has not been without controversy. The Democratic Alliance pulled out after a political clash, labeling the talks a misuse of public funds. Meanwhile, the MK Party has also opted to boycott the process.
