Sirte, Libya—Four people were killed in a high-speed collision on the coastal highway earlier today after a severe sandstorm reduced visibility to near zero. The accident occurred on a notoriously treacherous stretch of road that lacks adequate lighting and safety barriers. Rescue workers arriving at the scene faced extreme difficulty navigating the blinding dust clouds to reach the wreckage.

The storm had swept in from the southern interior, catching many drivers off guard on the main coastal route. As the winds intensified, the fine sand filled the air, turning the highway into a dangerous trap. The victims were traveling in a private vehicle that struck the rear of a heavy truck parked on the shoulder.

Local police report that the driver of the truck had been forced to stop due to the total loss of visibility. The force of the impact left the car heavily damaged, and all four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics struggled to provide medical aid due to the constant threat of secondary collisions from other vehicles in the area.

Travelers have been warned to avoid all non-essential road movement until the weather system dissipates. The sandstorm, which has been moving slowly along the northern coast, continues to pose a major threat to commuters. Many segments of the highway have been temporarily closed by security patrols to prevent further accidents.

Poor road maintenance and the absence of clear lane markings have long been issues along this route. When conditions worsen due to weather, the road becomes almost unusable for those not intimately familiar with the geography. Today’s accident has reignited calls for immediate infrastructure upgrades.

Recovery of the bodies took several hours as cranes were needed to move the vehicles. The cleanup crew had to wear respirators to protect against the choking dust. Local authorities are now attempting to clear the backlog of traffic that built up while the highway was blocked.

Families of the deceased have been contacted, but the process has been slowed by the ongoing disruption to communications in the area. The local authorities have expressed their condolences while reiterating the need for extreme caution. The stretch of highway where the incident occurred remains under a heightened alert status.

The storm is expected to continue for another night, potentially complicating further road operations. Motorists who were stranded on the side of the road are now being escorted by police patrols to the nearest towns. There is no expectation that the highway will fully reopen until tomorrow morning.