Syria highway collision leaves at least 35 dead
A collision between two buses on a critical route linking Damascus and Deir al-Zour province has triggered a large-scale military rescue operation, with authorities confirming the presence of Internal Security Forces on one of the vehicles.
At least 35 people have been killed and 30 others injured following a collision between two buses on a highway in eastern Syria, according to the Interior Ministry. The incident occurred on Saturday on the route connecting the capital, Damascus, with Deir al-Zour province, prompting a significant emergency response involving military assets.
The Ministry confirmed that one of the buses was transporting members of the Internal Security Forces, while the other was carrying civilians. State television footage broadcast images of one of the vehicles engulfed in flames following the impact, underscoring the severity of the crash on the 400km corridor.
Military helicopters were deployed to the scene to assist in evacuating the injured and recovering bodies from the site. The rescue operation highlights the logistical challenges posed by the location, which lies between the towns of al-Sukhnah and Palmyra.
The highway has long been characterised by a high incidence of fatal accidents, leading to its local moniker as the "road of death". The route serves as a vital link for transport and commerce between eastern Syria and the capital, yet its safety record remains a persistent concern for authorities and travellers alike.
While the Interior Ministry has provided initial casualty figures, the exact death toll may rise as recovery operations continue. The precise cause of the collision has not yet been detailed in official statements, leaving the circumstances of the crash under investigation.
