At least 12 people were killed and 23 others injured Saturday when a passenger bus overturned in western Algeria, the Civil Protection service said.
The crash occurred around 1:50 p.m. local time on National Road 50 near Tabelbala, about 1,200 kilometers southwest of Algiers. Rescue crews treated the wounded at the scene and transferred several in critical condition to a nearby hospital. Authorities have opened an investigation.
Traffic accidents are frequent in Algeria. In August, a bus plunged off a bridge east of the capital, killing 18 people.
The Transport Ministry says most crashes stem from human error, reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance. Transport unions and bus operators blame aging infrastructure and government policies, including a ban on importing buses and spare parts.