ALGIERS – A grim week on Algeria’s roads has resulted in the deaths of 44 people, according to a report released by the General Directorate of Civil Protection. The period between November 30th and December 6th saw a staggering 1,170 traffic accidents across the country, leaving 1,420 individuals injured.
The Civil Protection Directorate detailed that the most severe impact was felt in the Béchar province, specifically in Béni Abbès, where 4 accidents led to 14 fatalities and 35 injuries. The report underscores the urgent need for increased road safety measures and heightened vigilance among drivers.
In a separate but equally concerning development, the Civil Protection also reported 8 fatalities resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning. These tragic incidents, attributed to faulty heating systems and water heaters, occurred in the provinces of Algiers, Ain Defla, Setif, Tiaret, and Batna. This highlights the critical importance of ensuring proper ventilation and regular maintenance of heating appliances, especially during the colder months.
Beyond traffic incidents and carbon monoxide poisoning, the Civil Protection units were actively engaged in a range of emergency responses. During the same week, they successfully extinguished 587 fires – including residential, industrial, and various other types. The most significant fire incidents were recorded in the provinces of Algiers, Oran, and Blida. Furthermore, emergency teams rescued 493 individuals from perilous situations and provided assistance in 5,332 separate ambulance operations.
DZWatch will continue to monitor these critical safety issues and provide updates as they become available.
