Driver detained over bus rollover in Egypt’s northeast that killed 12 students, injured 29

CAIRO – 16 October 2024: The Public Prosecution has ordered a four-day detention for a bus driver carrying students from Galala University, which overturned in Egypt’s northeast this week, claiming the lives of 12 students and injuring 29 others.

The prosecution stated on Tuesday that some of the injured, whose health condition was suitable for questioning, stated that they had arranged with a company to hire a bus to transport them between their residences and the university.

The injured passengers reported that while on the bus, the driver was driving at a very high speed while navigating a bend in the road, leading to a loss of control over the steering wheel, as per the statement.

This explanation was verified by the technical examination report, the statement said.

The prosecution ordered autopsies on the deceased to determine the cause and manner of death before authorizing their burial.

The bus driver has refuted the accusations.

A preliminary report revealed that the driver tested positive for a narcotic substance, with the statement indicating that he will undergo further examination by the forensic medicine department.

WEIGHING CONSEQUENCES

Meanwhile, Hassan Hikal, the brother of an injured victim, relayed that his sister informed him that the driver encountered brake malfunctions before entering the road bend.

In a Facebook post, Hikal shared that his sister mentioned a burning smell detected by the students and how the driver chose not to cause panic.

The driver identified the brake malfunction and instructed the students to brace themselves, informing them that he would need to tip the bus on the side opposite the mountains to prevent it from going over the mountainside.

Hikal added that his sister described the driver's behavior as normal throughout the journey.

SUPPORTING VICTIMS

Galala University announced on Wednesday that 19 of the injured individuals have recovered and been discharged from the hospital.

The university's board of trustees outlined various measures to assist the crash victims, including covering the entire cost of their treatment without adhering to the maximum limit of their insurance coverage.

Furthermore, the university pledged a 50 percent grant for the injured and assured them of safe transportation between their residences and the university without incurring any expenses until they secure accommodation for them in Galala City.

The university said it will also study expanding its residential facilities in Galala City to accommodate everyone in the university in collaboration with relevant authorities.

A team comprising health, psychological, and educational professionals will be established to support the victims, considering the potential impact of the incident on their well-being, the statement added.

The university also plans to raise awareness among students about the risks associated with unsafe transportation, urging them to utilize only official and regulated means of travel.