Minister of Interior, Local Authorities and Transport, Saïd Sayoud, and Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Messoudane, arrived in Setif province on Tuesday to oversee funeral ceremonies and offer condolences for victims of a recent bus accident. The ministers landed at the 8 May 1945 Airport in Setif as part of a visit ordered by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Their presence in Setif shows the government's response to the tragic incident, providing official support to the affected families and local community. The delegation is tasked with ensuring proper arrangements for the deceased and offering solace during the period of mourning. The visit notes the government's commitment to providing full assistance and acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the community.
Funeral Preparations Underway
A first group of 12 victims' bodies was received at the Mother and Child Hospital El-Baz in Setif as funeral preparations commenced. Civil Protection services were responsible for transporting these bodies, utilizing ambulances to move them to the morgue. This careful handling by Civil Protection personnel ensured the dignified transfer of the deceased. Simultaneously, nine additional bodies were transferred directly to their respective families in El-Mekara, a measure taken to facilitate immediate family mourning and burial arrangements. Preparations for burial were subsequently made at the El-Mekara cemetery, facilitating the final rites for the deceased. These arrangements are key for allowing families to proceed with the burials in accordance with local customs and traditions, supported by the presence of the ministerial delegation.
Presidential Mandate and Official Reception
Upon their arrival, Minister Saïd Sayoud and Minister Mohamed Seddik Ait Messoudane were received by a delegation including the Governor of Setif, Mostefa Limani, and the Director General of Civil Protection, Colonel Boualem Boughelam. This reception by high-ranking local and national officials showed the seriousness and importance of the ministerial visit. The ministerial visit was undertaken in direct execution of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's instructions. These directives emphasized the need for close follow-up on the repercussions of the bus accident and mandated full support for the families affected by the tragedy. The President's direct involvement notes the national significance of the incident and the government's commitment to providing a strong and empathetic response. The presence of the high-ranking officials shows the government's commitment to addressing the aftermath of the incident and providing assistance to the community during this period of mourning. Their presence serves as a direct manifestation of the President's directive to ensure that the victims' families receive all necessary support during this difficult time.
Context of the Boumerdes Tragedy
The bus accident, which prompted the ministerial visit, involved a vehicle veering off course and overturning in Boumerdes province. This incident led to the fatalities for which funeral ceremonies are being organized in Setif. The tragic event resulted in multiple deaths, causing widespread grief and concern. Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the exact cause of the bus losing control or the precise location within Boumerdes province where the event transpired. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy are ongoing, with officials working to determine the factors that led to the bus overturning. The victims were transported from the accident site, with some bodies taken to the Mother and Child Hospital El-Baz in Setif and others directly to families in El-Mekara for final rites. The government's swift response, including the deployment of ministers, reflects the gravity of the incident and its impact on the affected communities, demonstrating a unified effort to support those impacted by the bus accident.