Aden -- Yemen has witnessed a disturbing surge in road accidents during the first two weeks of November, with at least 37 people killed and 203 others injured across various provinces, according to preliminary figures released by local authorities and traffic departments.

The alarming toll reflects a growing public safety crisis on Yemen’s roads, exacerbated by deteriorating infrastructure, poor vehicle maintenance, and widespread violations of traffic regulations. 

Officials report that the majority of incidents involved public transport vehicles, motorcycles, and private cars, with several fatal crashes occurring on mountainous and poorly lit roads.

Among the most tragic incidents was a fiery collision in Abyan province on November 5, where a passenger bus returning from Saudi Arabia collided with a private vehicle, resulting in 34 deaths and 10 injuries. 

The accident, which occurred on the Al-Araqoub road, highlighted the deadly consequences of overloaded vehicles and inadequate emergency response capabilities.

Health officials and civil defense teams have struggled to cope with the rising number of casualties, especially in remote areas where access to medical care remains limited. 

Of the 203 injuries reported, dozens were classified as critical, requiring urgent surgical intervention and long-term rehabilitation.

Traffic authorities have renewed calls for stricter enforcement of driving laws, improved road maintenance, and public awareness campaigns to reduce reckless driving and speeding. 

However, ongoing conflict and fragmented governance continue to hinder coordinated efforts to address the crisis.

As Yemen grapples with multiple humanitarian challenges, road safety remains an overlooked but deadly threat, claiming lives daily and placing additional strain on the country’s fragile health system.