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Epstein email claims Trump ‘knew about the girls’ as White House denounces leak as Democratic smear campaign

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A 2019 email written by disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein claimed that President Donald Trump “knew about the girls,” according to documents released Wednesday by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee. However, the message offered no clarification about what Trump allegedly knew, and the White House immediately blasted the release as a politically motivated “smear.”

Among the newly disclosed documents are three emails referencing Trump, including one from 2011 in which Epstein told Ghislaine Maxwell that Trump had “spent hours” at his home with a young woman later identified as Virginia Giuffre. Democrats said the emails were part of a larger cache of 23,000 documents obtained from Epstein’s estate.

Republicans quickly countered the release, accusing Democrats of “weaponizing selective leaks” to damage Trump amid a government shutdown fight.

White House Denounces ‘Fake Narrative’

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Democrats had “selectively leaked emails” to “create a fake narrative to smear President Trump.”

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump dismissed the release as “another desperate distraction,” writing: “They’re trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein hoax again because they’ll do anything to deflect from their failures with the government shutdown and everything else.”

He added that any Republican “should be focused only on opening up our country and fixing the massive damage caused by the Democrats.”

Trump has long maintained that he cut ties with Epstein years ago, even claiming in July that he banned him from Mar-a-Lago for “taking people who worked for me,” including Giuffre, who he said was “taken out of the spa, hired by him — in other words, gone.”

What the Emails Reveal

In a 2019 exchange with journalist Michael Wolff, Epstein allegedly wrote, “Of course he [Trump] knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine to stop.”

Another email, dated April 2, 2011, from Epstein to Maxwell, stated: “I want you to realize that that dog that hasn’t barked is Trump. Virginia spent hours at my house with him … he has never once been mentioned.”

Maxwell replied the same day: “I have been thinking about that.”

The Democrats’ redacted version withheld the victim’s name, but Republicans later confirmed it was Virginia Giuffre — who died earlier this year and who had long stated that Trump was never involved in Epstein’s sexual crimes.

Giuffre, in sworn testimony and in her memoir, described Trump as “friendly” during a single encounter at Mar-a-Lago, saying he “couldn’t have been friendlier” and never acted inappropriately. She added that he once offered to help her find babysitting jobs at the club.

Other members of Epstein’s household staff also testified that while Trump occasionally visited Epstein’s home, they never saw him engage in misconduct.

Giuffre’s Death and Renewed Scrutiny

Giuffre, who had accused Prince Andrew and other influential men of sexual abuse, died by suicide in April. The renewed release of Epstein’s emails comes months after FBI and Justice Department officials declined to disclose further Epstein-related materials, frustrating online theorists seeking new revelations.

The White House emphasized that Giuffre herself repeatedly cleared Trump of wrongdoing. “The fact remains that President Trump kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club decades ago for being a creep to his female employees,” Leavitt said. “Any American with common sense sees right through this hoax.”

Maxwell’s DOJ Interview Clears Trump

In a July interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Maxwell — now serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking — denied ever seeing Trump act inappropriately.
“I never witnessed the President in any inappropriate setting,” she said. “He was a gentleman in all respects.”

Giuffre had first come forward after Epstein’s 2008 plea deal in Florida, which allowed him to serve just 18 months in jail for soliciting prostitution, avoiding federal prosecution. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on new federal charges.

Maxwell, who prosecutors said helped recruit girls for Epstein between 1994 and 2004, continues to maintain her innocence and is serving her sentence at a minimum-security prison camp in Texas.

Source: Associated Press

Nurse arrested in Mutare for defrauding Zimnat Life Assurance of USD15,000 using identities of the deceased

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HARARE, Zimbabwe ( BN24) — A registered nurse from Mutare has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of fraud after allegedly defrauding Zimnat Life Assurance of USD15,000 through a scheme that used the identities of deceased individuals to claim insurance benefits, according to authorities.

The accused, Shamiso Esinath Nyamundanda (née Musafari), 40, is employed at Bamba Rural Health Clinic in Mutare District. She appeared before the Harare Magistrates’ Court this week, facing three counts of fraud under Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

Prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) told the court that between August 2022 and July 2025, Nyamundanda allegedly initiated three separate life insurance policies in the names of deceased persons without the knowledge of their families. Each policy, investigators say, was valued at USD5,000.

Authorities allege that Nyamundanda forged supporting documents, including affidavits and personal identification details, to present herself as a surviving relative of the deceased policyholders. The forged paperwork, reportedly written in her own handwriting, was used to process and claim benefits after falsely declaring the “deaths” of the purported policyholders.

According to the NPAZ, the fraud was uncovered after a Zimnat Life Assurance manager identified inconsistencies in the claim documentation. The company launched an internal review, which revealed that the bank account receiving the insurance payouts was registered in Nyamundanda’s own name.

Following a formal complaint to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), Nyamundanda was arrested and later brought before the court. She was granted USD300 bail and ordered to return to court on December 9, 2025, for routine remand.

Zimnat Life Assurance confirmed that the alleged scam resulted in a total loss of USD15,000, adding that the company has strengthened its internal verification systems to prevent future occurrences of similar fraud.

“Insurance fraud not only results in financial loss but also undermines the trust of honest policyholders,” a Zimnat spokesperson said. “We urge professionals entrusted with handling sensitive information to act ethically and within the law.”

Legal experts note that the case underscores growing concerns about the abuse of access to personal data within Zimbabwe’s public service sector, where some professionals are accused of exploiting confidential information for personal financial gain.

The Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has also raised alarms over a steady increase in insurance-related fraud cases across Zimbabwe. Officials warn that such schemes damage confidence in the country’s insurance industry and discourage people from investing in life assurance products.

In a similar but unrelated case earlier this year, Sylvester Rusere, 36, of Hopely, Harare, was fined USD400 and handed a three-month suspended sentence after fabricating a fictitious daughter to fraudulently claim EcoSure funeral benefits. Rusere’s conviction in June 2024 followed a police investigation that exposed his attempt to profit from a non-existent death.

Industry analysts say both cases highlight the urgent need for improved digital verification systems, cross-institutional data sharing, and more robust policyholder authentication to combat the rising tide of insurance scams.

Nyamundanda’s case remains under investigation, and prosecutors have indicated that additional charges may be added if further fraudulent transactions are uncovered.

If convicted, she faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years, as well as fines and restitution orders to repay the amount defrauded.

6 dead in Ghana military recruitment stampede

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ACCRA, Ghana (BN24) — A military recruitment drive turned tragic in Ghana’s capital on Wednesday when at least six people died and several others were injured in a stampede at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra, officials confirmed.

According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the incident occurred before dawn as thousands of young applicants gathered outside the stadium gates to participate in the 2025–2026 military recruitment exercise. The Armed Forces said in a statement that the tragedy unfolded around 6:20 a.m., when a surge in the crowd caused several people to fall and be trampled as others pushed forward to gain entry.

The statement, signed by Colonel Evelyn Asamoah, Acting Director-General of the Public Relations Directorate, said the stampede happened when “a large number of applicants breached security protocols and forced their way into the gates ahead of the scheduled screening.”

Witnesses described chaotic scenes as security personnel struggled to control the crowd. Videos circulating on social media showed long queues forming on the surrounding streets hours before dawn, with some applicants reportedly arriving as early as 2 a.m. in hopes of securing a spot in line.

“People were pushing and shouting; everyone wanted to get inside first,” said a witness who declined to give his name. “There were too many people and not enough security to manage the crowd.”

The Ghana Armed Forces said emergency medical teams were immediately dispatched to the scene to provide aid to the injured. Victims were transported to the 37 Military Hospital, where doctors are working to stabilize those in critical condition.

“The unfortunate incident led to the death of six potential recruits, and many others were injured,” the statement said. The Ghana Armed Forces assures the general public that medical teams are working tirelessly to stabilize affected individuals. Arrangements are being made to notify the families of the deceased.”

Colonel Asamoah expressed the Force’s condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said investigations were underway to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies.

“The Ghana Armed Forces deeply regrets to inform the general public of a tragic stampede before the commencement of the recruitment exercise,” Asamoah said. “Preliminary investigations indicate that the stampede was triggered by an unexpected surge of applicants who breached security protocols and rushed into the gates.”

By late afternoon, authorities had cordoned off sections of the stadium as officials reviewed security footage and interviewed witnesses. Military officers at the scene told reporters that crowd control measures would be strengthened before the exercise resumes.

The Ghana Armed Forces called for calm, urging the public to await official updates and avoid spreading misinformation online.

The recruitment drive, part of the 2025–2026 enlistment campaign, had attracted thousands of applicants across the country, reflecting widespread interest in military service amid limited employment opportunities.

Funeral arrangements for the deceased are expected to be announced once families are formally notified, according to military officials.

Nigerians praise young soldier for standing up to powerful minister

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ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — A young Nigerian soldier has captured the admiration of millions after footage of him standing his ground against a powerful government minister went viral on social media.

Lieutenant A.M. Yerima was part of a military unit that prevented Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike from accessing a disputed plot of land in Abuja on Tuesday. The confrontation, captured on video and viewed millions of times, shows the minister becoming increasingly agitated as Lt. Yerima calmly cites orders from his superiors and refuses entry.

The soldier’s composure and adherence to protocol have earned widespread praise online. Social media users described him as “courageous” and “brave,” with many sharing his photo on WhatsApp and other platforms.

The incident drew particular attention because Wike, a former governor of the oil-rich Rivers State, is considered one of the most influential figures in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Wike has a reputation for getting his way, and public displays of defiance against him are rare in Nigeria, where lower-ranking officials typically yield to senior authority figures.

In the video, Wike can be heard telling the officer, “You are a very big fool. At the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.” Lt. Yerima calmly responds, “I am not a fool, sir.” The exchange has been widely cited as an example of discipline and courage within the Nigerian military.

“I commend the gallantry of this military officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, for his unshakable boldness and composure despite the offensive utterances from FCT Minister Wike,” one social media user wrote on X. “He’s well trained and fearless, refusing to be bullied.” Another added, “Discipline, courage, and integrity. The true spirit of the Nigerian military.”

The circumstances surrounding the soldiers’ presence at the land site remain unclear. The BBC has reached out to the Nigerian military for comment. Wike challenged the soldiers to provide documentation proving their authority to occupy the land.

Wike later told reporters that officials from the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council had reported being prevented from accessing the land by soldiers. “This is what prevents us from progressing,” he said. “When the officials came, they said soldiers chased them away. I thought they did so illegally.” He added that the soldiers were unable to produce the requested documents, noting that the land falls under federal capital jurisdiction, which he oversees.

The incident has sparked nationwide discussion on authority, accountability, and the role of the military in civil matters, with many Nigerians applauding Lt. Yerima for his professionalism in the face of pressure from a senior government official.

Prison officers seriously injured in ‘unprovoked’ attack at Feltham youth jail, London

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LONDON (BN24) — Two prison officers were seriously injured in an “unprovoked” attack by an inmate at Feltham Young Offenders’ Institution (YOI) in southwest London on Tuesday, officials and union representatives said.

A male officer suffered a fractured skull, while a female colleague experienced a seizure after sustaining facial injuries during the assault. Both were taken to the hospital for treatment. Feltham, which houses up to 140 youths aged 15 to 18, has been described as the most violent youth prison in the United Kingdom.

Mark Fairhurst, national chairman of the Prison Officers’ Association (POA), said the attack underscores the urgent need to expand the use of PAVA pepper spray to all youth prison staff. The Ministry of Justice currently limits its deployment to senior officers.

“Two of my colleagues were hospitalised due to an unprovoked violent attack by a young criminal,” Fairhurst said. “Staff should not have to work under threat without adequate protection in place. Those who think it is acceptable for staff to be used as human punching bags are just as culpable as the thugs who assault them.” He added that the assault highlights how close the youth prison system is coming to a tragedy.

The PAVA spray policy faces a judicial review after the Howard League for Penal Reform challenged its use, arguing that it can cause physical and psychological harm to children and may be applied disproportionately against inmates from minority groups. The charity also warned that its use could spark further violence.

Feltham has seen a sharp rise in assaults on staff. Last year, incidents involving children and young people up to age 21 in England’s three YOIs increased nearly 25 percent compared with 2023, a rate about 14 times higher than in adult prisons. The surge in violence comes amid mounting pressure on Justice Secretary David Lammy following the accidental release of more than 350 prisoners in the past 18 months, including two high-profile migrant sex offenders.

The prison’s challenges have been highlighted in official inspections. A report this summer described the facility as offering a “bleak existence” for inmates due to low educational attendance, high levels of violence, and staff shortages. Boys at Feltham reportedly spend only four hours per day outside their cells, often in enforced idleness, while enhanced units receive somewhat more time.

Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said inspectors observed “frustration” among both staff and inmates due to frequent cancellations of lessons and activities. Feltham’s 12-month record showed 253 assaults on children, contributing to unpredictable staffing and some of the highest sickness rates in the country.

While Taylor noted “cautious optimism” that conditions could improve under interim governor Gary Sillifant, Ofsted maintained that the overall grade for the prison remained “inadequate” because of poor behaviour and management of education services, despite some positive aspects of teaching quality.

The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment on the attack, including whether any arrests have been made in connection with Tuesday’s incident.

Turkish C-130 plane crash in Georgia kills 20 soldiers

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All 20 Turkish military personnel aboard a C-130 cargo plane that crashed in eastern Georgia have been confirmed dead, Turkey’s Defense Minister Yasar Guler announced Wednesday.

The aircraft had taken off from Ganja, Azerbaijan, and was en route to Turkey when it went down Tuesday in Sighnaghi municipality, close to the Azerbaijani border. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

A Turkish accident investigation team arrived at the crash site early Wednesday and began inspecting the wreckage in coordination with Georgian authorities, according to a statement from Turkey’s National Defense Ministry. Reports from Turkish broadcaster NTV described the wreckage scattered across farmland surrounded by hills, with debris found in several locations.

“Our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred on November 11, 2025, when our C-130 military cargo plane, which had taken off from Azerbaijan en route to our country, crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border,” Minister Guler said in a message on X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of the fallen personnel.

The Georgian Civil Aviation Authority said that communication with the aircraft was lost shortly after it entered Georgian airspace, and the plane did not issue a distress signal before disappearing from radar.

The C-130E Hercules, a four-engine tactical airlifter, is widely used by the Turkish Armed Forces for transporting troops and carrying out logistical operations. The crash marks one of Turkey’s deadliest military aviation accidents in recent years.

Turkey and Azerbaijan maintain close defense cooperation, and the crash occurred just days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and top officials attended Azerbaijan’s Victory Day celebrations in Baku on November 8, commemorating Azerbaijan’s 2020 military victory over Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh. It remains unclear whether the soldiers aboard the aircraft had participated in the ceremonies.

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili expressed condolences to Turkey, while U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also offered sympathies, honoring the fallen servicemen and reaffirming solidarity with Ankara.

“We are deeply shocked by the news of the loss of life of our soldiers in the accident that occurred on Georgian soil,” Aliyev said, according to the Anadolu Agency.

A search and recovery operation remains underway, involving Azerbaijani and Georgian emergency teams, as authorities work to recover all remains and investigate the cause of the disaster. Funeral arrangements for the fallen soldiers have not yet been announced.

AP/euronews.com

Kenyan police exhume body of missing woman as 72-year-old man detained in Kisii murder probe

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Police in Kisii, Kenya, have exhumed the body of a 54-year-old woman, Zipporah Omari, who went missing two months ago, uncovering what investigators believe to be a case of domestic homicide.

The body was discovered in a shallow grave beneath a thatched house in the Mwembe area, directly opposite Kisii Cathedral. A 72-year-old man, identified as John Agwacha, is currently detained at Kisii Central Police Station in connection with the murder.

According to the deceased’s family, Omari, a widow, had been living with Agwacha, also a widower, for about a year. Concerns about her disappearance arose when tenants in Mwembe Estate reported that she had failed to collect rent for two months.

“Sisi baada ya wapangaji kuraise alarm tulianza kupiga report kwa vituo vya polisi… ndio baadaye kuna majirani wakatuambia kwamba mwili umeonekana na kwamba mama amezikwa hapa. Tunataka tu haki,” said Nyambati Omari, Zipporah’s son.
(Translation: “After the tenants raised the alarm, we started making reports at the police stations… then later some neighbors told us that the body had been found and that the woman had been buried here. We just want justice.”)

Reports from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) indicate that the suspect, John Agwacha, initially confessed to killing the deceased by hitting her with a blunt object before burying her body at around 11:30 p.m. However, he later recanted the confession, claiming he was innocent.

“Mama ambaye amepotea kwa muda sasa tumehakikisha ametolewa na mwili unaonekana wake. Uchunguzi tayari unaendelea,” said Kisii Central Sub-County Commander Musa Imai, confirming that the missing woman’s body had been recovered.
(Translation: “The woman who had been missing has now been recovered, and her body is visible. Investigations are already ongoing.”)

The suspect will remain in police custody for 30 days as investigations continue. The body of the deceased has been taken to the Kisii Hospital mortuary, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Family members and residents of Kisii have called for swift justice, expressing shock over the killing that has shaken the quiet Mwembe community.

Florida woman arrested after driving 107 MPH to pick up pizza before store closed, authorities say

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A Florida woman was arrested after deputies said she was caught driving more than 100 mph while racing to pick up pizza before a restaurant closed.

Yazmin Erazo, 21, of Holiday, was stopped Thursday night by Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies after radar showed her speeding at 107 mph in a 55 mph zone on U.S. Highway 19 in Palm Harbor, according to local authorities.

Deputies said Erazo admitted she was rushing to reach Little Caesars before the store closed. She was arrested and charged under Florida’s new excessive speeding law, which took effect July 1, and was later released on bail.

Under the new statute, Florida House Bill 351, drivers can face criminal charges if they exceed the speed limit by more than 50 mph or drive 100 mph or more in a manner deemed dangerous to others. The offense is now classified as a criminal violation, not just a traffic infraction.

A first offense carries penalties of up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine, while repeat violations can lead to up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. A second conviction within five years could also result in a license suspension of up to one year.

Because the offense is criminal, convictions appear on background checks, which can affect employment, housing applications, and professional licenses.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that speeding-related fatalities have surged 43 percent statewide between 2013 and 2023, with the majority involving male drivers aged 16 to 25. In Alachua County alone, authorities have recorded 71 crashes this year linked to speeding and aggressive driving, resulting in four serious injuries and two deaths.

The new law was designed to curb extreme speeding after law enforcement across the state reported a sharp rise in dangerous driving behaviors during and after the pandemic.

the-independent.com

Cristiano Ronaldo confirms 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament

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LISBON, Portugal (BN24)— Cristiano Ronaldo said Tuesday that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, signaling the approaching end of a career that has spanned more than 20 years.

The 40-year-old Portuguese forward, who has scored more than 950 goals in club and international competition, announced a Saudi forum, speaking via video link. When asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his swan song, Ronaldo said, “Definitely, yes. I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, also confirmed that he plans to retire from professional football within the next one or two years. “When I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he said, elaborating on comments made last week about retiring “soon.”

The veteran forward, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023 after leaving Manchester United for a second spell in late 2022, has continued to attract attention for his late-career moves. His transfer to the Saudi club was part of a wider trend of internationally renowned stars signing with teams in the oil-rich kingdom, which has invested heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its economic diversification plan.

Ronaldo is targeting a sixth World Cup next year. His closest attempt at lifting the trophy came in 2006, when Portugal was eliminated by France in the semifinals. Portugal has yet to qualify for the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but a win over Ireland on Thursday could secure the team’s spot.

Ronaldo’s career has seen him play for some of the world’s top clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus. His scoring record and longevity have made him one of the most decorated footballers in history, and his decision to retire will mark the end of an era for Portugal and global football.

Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo now plays, has continued to raise its profile in the football world. Last December, the kingdom was awarded the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup, underscoring its ambitions to become a central hub for sports and entertainment.

Ronaldo’s announcement adds to the anticipation surrounding the 2026 World Cup, where fans and pundits alike will look to see the final international performances of one of football’s all-time greats.

At least 2 dead, dozens injured as tourist coach crashes into truck near Egyptian Red Sea resort

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HURGHADA, Egypt (BN24)— At least two people have died and dozens more were injured when a coach carrying tourists collided with a truck early Tuesday near a popular beach resort on Egypt’s Red Sea coast. The accident occurred in the predawn hours along the Hurghada-Cairo highway near Ras Ghareb, roughly 150 kilometers north of Hurghada, authorities said.

Officials confirmed that the fatalities include the coach driver and a Russian citizen traveling on board. A total of 36 passengers suffered injuries, including 24 foreign tourists, some of whom sustained severe trauma. Emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, transporting the injured to hospitals in Ras Ghareb and surrounding areas. Several tourists were reported stable enough to be returned to their hotels in Hurghada, while travel agency representatives remained on-site to assist with logistics and medical coordination.

The coach belonged to a Red Sea tourism company and had departed from Hurghada, heading north along one of Egypt’s main highways. The exact destination of the bus remains unclear, though travel companies often use coaches to transport tourists from Red Sea resorts to cultural and historical attractions, including the Pyramids of Giza, approximately three hours away by road. Hurghada itself is located about 290 miles south of Cairo, and the drive along the Ras Ghareb-Hurghada route generally takes around five hours.

The Russian Consulate General in Hurghada reported the accident on the social media platform X, saying, “At approximately 4:00 a.m. on November 11, an accident occurred on the Hurghada-Cairo highway near Ras Ghareb. A tourist bus collided with a truck. One Russian citizen and the bus driver were killed. The injured are receiving emergency medical care at a hospital in Ras Ghareb. Some of the tourists are being prepared to return to their hotels in Hurghada. Representatives from travel agencies are working at the scene.”

The cause of the crash is still under investigation by Egyptian authorities. Local reports indicate that the coach may have collided with a heavy truck in the early hours, but details regarding speed, road conditions, or potential driver error have not yet been released.

The incident follows a series of fatal transport accidents in Egypt, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. Last September, three people, including two children, were killed in the Nile Delta city of Zagazig when two passenger trains collided, injuring at least 49 others. Footage from that crash showed crumpled carriages surrounded by onlookers, with rescuers lifting injured passengers through windows. Egypt’s railway system, which has suffered from aging infrastructure and mismanagement, has been subject to government initiatives aimed at improving safety and reliability in recent years.

Authorities have urged travelers to exercise caution when using road and rail transport, particularly on long-distance routes connecting tourist destinations to Cairo and other major cities. Emergency responders continue to monitor the condition of the injured, while investigations into the bus-truck collision are ongoing.