In a heart-wrenching turn of events, at least 24 innocent lives were tragically lost in what’s being touted as one of Morocco’s most devastating road accidents. The grisly incident unfolded in the central Azilal province, a considerable distance from Rabat, the country’s capital. Initial reports suggest a minibus, packed with local shoppers headed to the regional weekly market in Demnate, met its fate on a perilous bend.

What Went Wrong?

The nation is in shock, and as authorities grapple with the magnitude of the calamity, an official investigation has been promptly initiated. Delving into the specifics, it’s believed that road mishaps aren’t uncommon in Morocco and its North African neighbors. In fact, the chilling Sunday disaster echoes a haunting past where minibuses have been at the epicenter of such tragedies. Just a few months prior, 11 souls, primarily agricultural workers, faced a tragic end when their minibus collided with a tree in the rural Brachoua town.

A History of Road Tragedies

As the nation mourns, it’s impossible to ignore the grim pattern emerging from Morocco’s roads. A mere year ago, 23 individuals met a tragic fate, with 36 more injured, as their bus lost its battle with a bend near the bustling economic hub, Casablanca. These recurring tragedies draw attention to an alarming statistic: As per the National Road Safety Agency, the nation sees an average of 3,500 deaths on its roads annually, translating to a staggering 10 deaths each day.

The Path Forward

The weight of the past looms large, especially recalling the horrific 2012 bus accident that claimed 42 lives, marking it as Morocco’s deadliest. However, not all hope is lost. Officials, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, have set ambitious goals, aiming to significantly reduce the mortality rate by the year 2026.

As Morocco grapples with its traffic woes and the recent tragedy, the world watches, hoping for effective measures to safeguard lives on the road.

  Azilal, Brachoua, Demnate, Morocco