In a devastating incident that unfolded on Sunday, one of the most tragic road accidents in Morocco’s history resulted in the loss of 24 lives within the central province of Azilal, as confirmed by authorities.
The calamity struck when a minibus, en route to the weekly market in the town of Demnate, met with disaster as it overturned on a sharp bend. The local authorities promptly responded, initiating an official investigation into the accident.
It is an unfortunate reality that road accidents frequently plague the thoroughfares of Morocco and other nations within North Africa. These incidents contribute to thousands of fatalities each year, leaving communities grappling with sorrow and loss.
Earlier this year, on March 11, eleven individuals, primarily agricultural workers, met their untimely demise in the rural town of Brachoua. A minibus they were traveling in collided with a tree after the driver lost control, a somber event that resonated across local officials and residents.
Transportation in rural regions often relies on coaches and minibuses, especially among the less affluent members of society.
Tragedy struck again in August of the previous year when a bus overturned on a bend to the east of Morocco’s economic hub, Casablanca. The accident resulted in the loss of 23 lives and injuries to 36 others.
Morocco contends with an annual average of 3,500 road-related fatalities and 12,000 injuries, as reported by the National Road Safety Agency. This toll averages to around ten deaths per day, a disheartening statistic.
However, authorities remain committed to mitigating these numbers, aiming to reduce the mortality rate by half by 2026. This resolve stems from a prior catastrophic bus accident in 2012 that claimed the lives of 42 individuals, marking a poignant moment in the nation’s history.
Neighboring Algeria has also encountered its share of road tragedies. On July 19, a horrific collision between a passenger bus and a pickup truck, carrying fuel containers, resulted in the loss of 34 lives in the expansive southern Sahara region. The collision ignited a blazing inferno, leaving a dozen others severely injured.
Samir Bouchehit, a senior official from the national gendarmerie, revealed that the ill-fated truck had been driving on the wrong side of the road, a significant factor contributing to the catastrophe.
While Algeria mourns its own losses, Libya’s roads stand as a stark reminder of the perilous conditions faced by many. Tragically, they have consistently ranked among the most dangerous worldwide, underscoring the dire need for improved road safety measures across the North African region.
