Tragic bus crash in Algiers claims 18 lives, highlights deep failures in public transportation

A deadly bus accident in the Mohammadia district of Algiers has claimed the lives of 18 people and left nine others injured,including two in critical condition.

The incident occurred late Friday afternoon when a passenger bus plunged from a bridge into the polluted waters of Oued El Harrach. Emergency services responded swiftly,and rescue operations continued into the evening.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation,though initial reports suggest excessive speed may have played a role.

The tragedy has reignited public debate over the deteriorating state of Algeria’s public transportation system,particularly the aging fleet of buses. According to Transport Minister Saïd Sayoud,over 84,000 buses across the country are in urgent need of replacement. He described many of them as “machines of death” due to their poor condition and frequent involvement in fatal accidents

Algeria’s public transport system has long struggled with inefficiency,underinvestment,and poor regulation. Despite rapid urbanization,the country lacks a cohesive and modern transport strategy. Many urban centers suffer from chronic congestion,outdated infrastructure,and a fragmented network of operators

The deregulation of the sector in the late 1980s led to a proliferation of private minibus operators,often prioritizing profit over safety. Public transport services,once managed by municipal monopolies,were gradually replaced by informal and poorly supervised alternatives. This shift contributed to widespread service gaps,especially in underserved regions

Efforts to modernize urban mobility- such as the introduction of tramways in cities like Algiers,Oran,and Constantine- have been hampered by inconsistent funding and political delays. Several planned projects,including metro extensions and new tram lines in Annaba and Batna,have been frozen due to budget constraints and administrative bottlenecks

For millions of Algerians,commuting remains a daily ordeal. Narrow streets,lack of parking,and insufficient public transport options force many to rely on private vehicles,exacerbating traffic congestion and pollution. Those without cars often endure long waits for overcrowded buses or shared taxis,with no guarantee of timely or safe travel.