At Least 18 Dead, 9 Injured After Bus Skids Off Bridge and Plunges Into River

At least 18 people died and nine others were injured after a bus skidded off a bridge and fell into a river in Algeria.

The accident happened on Friday, Aug. 15, near the Oued El Harrach river in Algeria’s capital, Algiers, according to both Algeria’s Press Service and local outlet AL24.

Lieutenant Nasim Bernawi, deputy director of statistics and information at the country’s Civil Protection Directorate, told local media that two injured passengers were in critical condition but have been “stabilized.” Those who died were taken to the hospital’s mortuary.

The crash was reported around 5:46 p.m. local time. Search operations for more victims continued into Friday night, according to AL24.

The cause of the crash has not been announced yet.

In a statement from the APS, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune expressed his condolences and wished “a speedy recovery to the injured.”

“With profound sorrow, I pay tribute to the memory of our fellow citizens who died in this tragic accident, following the fall of a bus into Oued El Harrach,” his statement said, translated into English.

“In this moment of grief that has touched us all, I extend my sincere condolences and deep sympathy to the bereaved families, praying that Almighty Allah may bestow His mercy upon the departed, grant them a place in His vast paradise, and provide patience and comfort to their loved ones,” Tebboune added.

The President also posted on his Facebook page that the country would observe a day-long national mourning starting Friday evening, which included lowering the national flag.

Around 25 ambulances, 16 divers, and four boats were sent to the scene to help with the search, according to the U.S. Sun, citing Algeria’s Civil Protection Service.

Footage after the crash showed first responders in red boats and other vehicles surrounding the river. They coordinated to bring the bus back to solid ground. Additional images revealed damage to the bus, including dents, broken doors, and missing parts. The Sun reported that first responders and nearby residents jumped into the water to rescue victims before authorities arrived.

General Saïd Chanegriha of the Algerian People’s National Army visited the victims on Saturday, Aug. 16, according to APS. He went to the Army Central Hospital in Ain Naâdja, the Salim Zemirli Specialized Hospital in El Harrach, and Mustapha Bacha University Hospital Center.