**Title: Two Buses Collide in Syria, Resulting in At Least 35 Fatalities**
**Date: July 25, 2026**
In a tragic incident on Saturday, two buses collided on the Deir ez-Zor–Damascus road in Syria, leading to the deaths of at least 35 individuals and injuring 30 others, according to the country's health ministry. The crash occurred between the towns of Al-Sukhnah and Palmyra, along a vital highway that spans over 400 kilometers, connecting eastern Syria to the capital city of Damascus.
The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that several helicopters were dispatched to the scene to facilitate the medical evacuation of the injured to Homs Military Hospital. Additionally, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that ambulances were sent to assist with the emergency response.
The Deir ez-Zor–Damascus highway is notorious for its poor safety standards, a reflection of the deteriorating state of civilian infrastructure in Syria, which has been significantly impacted by nearly 14 years of civil war. In a statement made in October, Raed al-Saleh, the Minister of Disaster Management and Emergency Response, noted that over 2,000 road accidents had occurred in the country from January to the end of September that year. He highlighted that such accidents are "among the leading causes of death in Syria."
The recent collision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Syrian transportation system, as the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged conflict and instability. As investigations into the crash proceed, the focus remains on providing care for the injured and addressing the broader issues surrounding road safety in the country.
Further updates on the situation are anticipated as authorities work to manage the aftermath of this devastating event.