Eighteen Passengers Injured After Bus Overturns On Desert Highway Linking Amman And Aqaba, Emergency Crews Deployed

Ma'an, Jordan— A bus overturned on the desert highway connecting Amman and Aqaba Wednesday afternoon, injuring 18 passengers and forcing closure of the main southbound route for hours.

Jordan Times reported the crash occurred at 2:10 p.m. near kilometer 220, close to Al-Husseiniya. The bus, operated by a private company, was traveling from Amman to Aqaba with 32 passengers. The driver lost control on a curve. The bus skidded and rolled onto its side.

Passengers were thrown inside the cabin. Windows shattered. Luggage scattered across the road. Motorists stopped to help. Highway patrol and civil defense arrived within 20 minutes from Ma'an.

Eighteen people were injured, four seriously with fractures and head injuries. They were taken to Ma'an Government Hospital and Prince Hashem Hospital in Aqaba. The rest suffered bruises and were treated on site. No deaths were reported.

Colonel Firas Al-Dabbas of the Highway Police said initial findings point to speeding and tire failure. He said the left rear tire burst before the rollover. He said the bus had passed inspection in September but will be re-examined.

The desert highway, a 330-kilometer artery linking the capital to the port, is known for high-speed crashes and crosswinds. Police said visibility was clear at the time. The road surface was dry. The driver, 45, survived with minor injuries.

Traffic was diverted to an old service road for three hours. A crane lifted the bus at 5:30 p.m. Passengers' belongings were collected by police. The bus company suspended operations on that route pending inspection.

The injured include Jordanian, Egyptian, and Syrian nationals traveling for work in Aqaba. Families were notified by police. The company said it will cover medical costs.

Public Security Directorate opened an investigation for reckless driving causing injury. The bus's tachograph and maintenance logs were seized. The highway reopened at 6 p.m. The investigation is ongoing.