An investigation into the truck crash that killed 21 soldiers and injured 27 others near the Egypt-Israel border Sunday has pointed to driving mistakes and the rugged road conditions as the main causes.
A truck carrying Central Security soldiers in the mountainous "Area C" region of Sinai overturned after the driver lost control of the steering wheel.
The inspection by the Public Prosecution found that the driver hit the brakes suddenly near a cliff and the vehicle was unable to stop. It continued speeding on the road for a distance of 100 meters, state-run MENA news agency reported.
"The car overturned on its left side and fell from a height of about 70 meters […] until it hit the ground, leading to […] deaths and injuries among the soldiers," the report said.
Prosecutors have summoned the commander of Central Security Forces in northern Sinai to hear his account of the incident, as well as the vehicle department head of Central Security to inquire about the vehicle and the number of passengers aboard. The prosecution also requested the driver's files and asked for confirmation of a valid license. The driver was killed in the crash.
North Sinai Governor Abdel Fattah Harahor confirmed Tuesday that the crash was the result of a "normal traffic" mishap. He reiterated that the incident was due to the rugged road and the driver losing control of the car. Officials have asserted there is no suspicion of criminal wrongdoing.
Edited translation from MENA
