(In Egypt) Tragic Minibus Crash in Menoufia Kills 19, Mostly Teenage Girls, Highlighting Child Labor and Road Safety Issues

 

A tragic road accident in Egypt's Menoufia governorate has claimed the lives of 19 people, most of them teenage girls, in a collision between a truck and a minibus. The incident occurred early Friday morning as a minibus carrying young workers from the village of Kafr al Sanabsa was heading to a worksite in the city of Ashmoun, north of Cairo.

According to local media, the victims were mostly teenagers, with two of them as young as 14. Egyptian newspapers have referred to them as “martyrs for their daily bread,” highlighting the ongoing issue of child labour in the country. Government statistics indicate that approximately 1.3 million minors are engaged in some form of labour, often commuting in overcrowded and unsafe vehicles. Only three passengers survived the crash and are currently receiving treatment at the General Ashmoun Hospital. The Ministry of Labour has confirmed that the families of the deceased will each receive compensation of 200000 Egyptian pounds, equivalent to about 4000 US dollars. Those injured will be granted 20000 Egyptian pounds, or roughly 400 US dollars. Labour Minister Mohamed Gebran has ordered an investigation into the accident and stressed the need for improved safety measures. Menoufia Governor Ibrahim Abu Leimon indicated that preliminary findings point to excessive speeding as a likely cause. He also urged the Ministry of Transportation to reassess safety protocols on the regional road where the accident occurred. This same road was the site of another deadly collision in April that claimed five lives. Road accidents remain a persistent danger in Egypt, with thousands of fatalities reported each year. In October 2023, 35 people died in a crash on the Cairo Alexandria desert road, including 18 who burned to death.

See also: (In Kenya) Kisii Residents Disrupt UDA Event with “Ruto Must Go” Chants, Signaling Political Discontent