Lebanese Pilgrims Bus Crash on Damascus‑Daraa Route Spurs Safety Demands

A bus carrying Lebanese pilgrims crashed on the Damascus–Daraa highway, killing several passengers and injuring dozens. The Yaza Road Safety Association expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.

The association praised the swift action of Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawal Salam, who tasked Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Metri with contacting Syrian authorities to arrange medical care for the wounded, and appointed Zahi Shaheen to monitor the incident on the ground. Yaza called for a transparent, independent investigation to determine all causes and assign responsibility.

Yaza also urged the adoption of mandatory, uniform standards for land transport of pilgrims, including qualified drivers and co‑drivers, regulated driving hours, mandatory rest periods, vehicle safety checks, functional seat belts, adherence to passenger and load limits, and comprehensive insurance coverage. The group asked authorities, transport companies, and pilgrimage organizers to enforce these measures to prevent similar tragedies.