Cairo:A tragic accident occurred on a major highway connecting Egypt's capital to the south, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people and injuring 30 others when a bus collided with a heavy truck, as reported by the Health Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incident took place on Tuesday at kilometer 55 of the Cairo-Assiut Western Desert Road. In response, 28 ambulances were dispatched to the scene to provide immediate assistance.

The Ministry's spokesperson, Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, stated that the injured individuals were transported to a hospital for examination and treatment. Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar instructed nearby hospitals to enhance emergency preparedness and supply necessary medical support to those affected.

The Health Ministry noted that the reported casualty figures are preliminary, with ongoing assessments to determine the full extent of the damage. As per local newspaper Sada Al-Balad, the crash involved a bus and a heavy transport truck near the entrance to the regional road leading to Giza. Authorities are currently managing the consequences of the collision and are undertaking the required legal procedures.