35 dead after bus collision in eastern Syria

At least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured when two passenger buses collided on a highway in eastern Syria on Tuesday, according to local officials. The crash occurred near the town of Al‑Khabur, a key transport route linking the provincial capital of Deir ez‑Zor with surrounding villages. Emergency crews arrived within minutes, transporting the injured to nearby hospitals while rescue teams worked to clear the wreckage. Authorities have not yet released a definitive cause for the collision, but preliminary reports suggest that poor road conditions and limited visibility may have contributed.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced that an investigation is underway to determine responsibility and to assess whether safety protocols were followed. Health officials warned that the high casualty count reflects the limited capacity of regional medical facilities to handle mass‑casualty incidents. The tragedy underscores ongoing concerns about road safety in conflict‑affected areas, where infrastructure repairs and vehicle maintenance are often delayed. No further updates have been provided as authorities continue to respond to the scene.