A bus crash in northern Algeria on Friday, August 1st, 2026, resulted in the deaths of 28 people, including the driver, who was found to be under the influence of narcotics, according to Algerian prosecutors.

The accident occurred on a road between Boumerdes and the neighbouring town of Zemmouri. A preliminary inquiry revealed the bus was travelling at 121.63 kilometres per hour, more than twice the 60 km/h speed limit for that stretch of road. Investigators also discovered the vehicle was carrying 64 passengers, exceeding its authorised capacity of 51, including the driver.

Authorities found two psychotropic pills in the driver's possession. The bus veered off the road and plunged into a ravine, causing the fatalities.

Officials have pledged to respond firmly after fully establishing the circumstances surrounding one of Algeria's deadliest road accidents in recent years. Road safety authorities note that human error, including speeding, driver inattention, dangerous overtaking, and reckless manoeuvres, accounts for over 96 percent of traffic accidents in Algeria.

Sources