Official figures reveal that 392 individuals lost their lives and 2,841 were injured in traffic accidents across Yemen's liberated regions during the first half of 2026. The General Directorate of Traffic Police recorded a total of 2,630 road incidents, with 1,048 of the injuries classified as severe. Authorities also issued over 109,000 traffic violation tickets during the period. According to security media reports citing Major General Omar Ahmed Bamashmous, Director-General of Traffic Police, collision incidents accounted for the highest number of accidents, with 1,425 cases. These were followed by pedestrian hit-and-run incidents (712) and vehicle rollovers (321). Other recorded accidents included collisions with stationary objects, falls from vehicles, vehicle fires, animal collisions, and miscellaneous incidents. Marib Governorate registered the highest number of accidents, totaling 891, followed by Taiz with 436 and Lahj with 284. Marib also reported the highest number of fatalities related to these accidents, with 56 deaths. Lahj recorded 51 deaths, while Aden and Abyan each reported 50 fatalities. In terms of injuries, Marib again led with 511 cases, followed by Taiz with 462 and Lahj with 388. The remaining injuries were distributed across other governorates. Major General Bamashmous attributed the rise in accidents to human factors, primarily excessive speed, improper overtaking, and non-adherence to traffic regulations. He also cited vehicle maintenance neglect, disregard for safety requirements, and issues related to road conditions as contributing factors. He further highlighted a concerning increase in vehicle fires, often linked to the transportation of flammable materials via public transport, illegal modifications to fuel systems, exceeding legal load capacities, and children operating vehicles. Violations related to motorcycles also remain a persistent issue. |
