A tragic road accident in Egypt’s southern Minya province claimed the lives of at least eight people and left 25 others injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The collision occurred along a desert route near Tuna El-Gebel village when a lorry struck a pickup truck carrying a group of workers and children. According to the provincial media office, the pickup was being used as an informal transport vehicle—despite not being designed to carry passengers.
Officials warned against the continued use of such vehicles for commuting, stating that the practice endangers lives and contravenes safety regulations. “Pickup trucks are built to transport goods, not people,” the statement read, urging residents to opt for safer, approved forms of transport.
In response to growing concerns over road safety, Minya authorities have stepped up efforts to regulate public transport. Recent months have seen bans on passenger use of pickup trucks within city areas and along major highways. At the same time, local officials have increased the issuance of licenses for microbuses in a bid to provide more secure and accessible travel alternatives.
The incident underscores persistent challenges in Egypt’s transportation landscape, particularly in underserved regions where informal transport remains widespread. Authorities say stricter enforcement and expanded public options are critical to preventing further loss of life on the roads.