Over a dozen people were killed and several others were injured when two microbuses fell into a canal in Luxor in the early hours of Tuesday.
Director of Luxor Security and Assistant Minister Montaser Abu Zeid said on Tuesday afternoon that 17 people died, “all of whom are relatives”. He added that seven people were injured. The two microbuses were carrying relatives on their way back from a wedding when the drivers lost control due to speeding, falling into the canal.
The incident comes days after another fatal accident that killed dozens in southern Sinai. On Friday at dawn, at least 38 were killed and over 40 were injured when two tourist buses collided near Sharm El-Sheikh, one of which was on its way to Sharm El-Sheikh and the other was returning.
Road safety in Egypt is of great concern. According to a report released in June, 15,578 car accidents took place in Egypt in 2013, with a daily death rate of 18.4 people killed every day.
The report cited “human element” as the biggest reason behind car accidents, causing over two thirds of all accidents.
