A heart-wrenching road accident took place in Port Said, Egypt on Thursday. On the very first day of Ramzan, there was a massive collision between a speeding lorry and a pickup truck. In this accident, 18 people died on the spot, while 3 people are seriously injured. The people who died were laborers and fishermen who were on their way to work. This incident has shocked the entire country.
What is the whole matter and how did the accident happen?
This horrific accident happened on 30 June Axis Highway, which is located south of Port Said. According to the report, the incident occurred around 12:30 pm. A pickup truck was carrying laborers and fishermen to work at the fish farms in Port Said area. Then a heavy lorry coming from the front hit him hard.
The collision was so severe that 18 people died on the spot or while being taken to the hospital. Most of the dead were residents of Al-Matariya district. The injured were immediately admitted to 30 June Hospital, El Nasr Hospital and other nearby hospitals for treatment. Initial investigation by the police has revealed that the lorry driver was driving at very high speed and due to this negligence the accident occurred.
Government action and compensation information
Immediately after the accident, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly expressed deep sorrow and ordered immediate help for the victims’ families. Social Solidarity Minister Maya Morsy has instructed officials that there should be no delay in relief work and economic assistance. The governors of Port Said and Dakahlia have together taken stock of the situation.
Some important steps have been taken by the administration:
Public Prosecution has started investigation into the cause of the accident. In the initial report, carelessness and high speed of the lorry driver have been considered as the main reasons. The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to their families, and their last rites were performed on Friday. The exact amount of compensation is still being decided, but considering previous accidents, the family of the deceased may receive around EGP 100,000 and the injured may receive up to EGP 10,000.
This accident happened at a time when people were preparing for the first day of Ramzan. A debate has once again erupted in the country regarding road safety and speed of heavy vehicles.