Syria Bus Collision: At Least 35 Dead, Dozens Injured in Central Desert Road Crash
A collision between two passenger buses in Syria's central-eastern desert has killed at least 35 people and injured 30 others, state media reported on Sunday.
Syrian state news agency SANA, quoting a health ministry official, said the crash occurred on the Damascus-Deir Ezzor road. The interior ministry added that one of the buses was carrying internal security forces personnel, while the other was a civilian bus. It did not specify how many of the casualties were from the security forces.
State media broadcast footage of the crash, showing a bus on fire and debris strewn across the highway. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene.
This is the latest in a series of deadly bus accidents in Syria. Earlier this month, five people were killed and dozens injured when a bus carrying pilgrims returning from Saudi Arabia overturned in southern Syria's Daraa province. Provincial authorities suggested speeding may have been a factor.
Syria's road infrastructure has deteriorated significantly after more than a decade of civil war and neglect. Many roads are in poor condition, contributing to frequent accidents. Last year, at least 12 people died when a bus collided with an oil tanker in northeastern Syria.
Efforts to improve road safety have been hampered by ongoing conflict and economic sanctions. The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for infrastructure repairs and stricter traffic enforcement.
