Eight American tourists were killed and 21 others injured on Sunday when a bus smashed into a truck in Upper Egypt, the Egyptian national news agency MENA said. The crash, according to MENA, occurred as the tourists were traveling from Aswan to the ancient Egyptian temple Abu Simbel.
The deceased tourists were identified as six women and and two men. MENA said an Egyptian driver and guide were wounded in the accident. Egyptian security officials said the wounded Americans were immediately transferred to a military hospital for medical treatment.
Abu Simbel temple was built during the reign of Ramses II and was dedicated to the God Amun.
Road accidents are common in Egypt due to poor quality roads and a lack of traffic enforcement. An estimated 8000 people die in vehicle accidents annually in the country.
