The 10 Worst Bus Accidents in the World in 2024 – A Complete List

The year 2024 witnessed some of the worst bus accidents in the world, claiming hundreds of lives and exposing glaring gaps in road safety standards.

From overcrowded vehicles to treacherous mountain passes, these tragic incidents serve as grim reminders of the need for enhanced infrastructure and stricter safety measures.

This article highlights the most dangerous bus accidents in 2024, analyzing their causes, consequences, and the lessons they offer for global road safety reforms.

List of the 10 Worst Bus Accidents in the World in 2024

Below is a comprehensive table summarizing the deadliest bus accidents of 2024, detailing their locations, death tolls, and key factors:

Also Read: Olectra Bus Accidents Rock Mumbai, Raising Safety Concerns

10. May 30: 22 Killed as Bus Plunges into Gorge in Jammu’s Akhnoor

22 pilgrims died and 45 others were injured when their bus plunged into a deep gorge in the Akhnoor area of Jammu district on the Jammu-Poonch national highway. The fatalities included three children and nine women.

The accident happened at around 12:35 PM when the driver of the bus failed to negotiate a sharp curve. The incident occurred at Tungi Morh, approximately 12 kilometers from Akhnoor on the highway.

9. July 21: Bolivia’s Deadliest Accident of 2024

In Bolivia, 22 people lost their lives and 16 were injured when a bus collided head-on with a truck. The accident occurred on the route connecting the Bolivian town of Patacamaya to Tambo Quemado in northern Chile, as reported by Torrico to the Unitel channel.

According to the investigating officer, the preliminary inquiry revealed that the truck veered into the opposite lane while attempting to overtake another vehicle.

Also Read: 10 Worst Bus Accidents in India in 2024

8. October 1: School Bus Fire in Thailand

In a devastating fire, a school bus carrying 38 children and six teachers in Bangkok caught fire, resulting in the deaths of 23 students.

The fire was triggered by a tire burst, causing the bus to crash into a barrier. This tragedy underscored the need for stricter maintenance checks on school buses.

7. August 20: Iranian Pilgrims Tragedy

In southwestern Iran, a bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims to Iraq’s Karbala overturned, killing 28 people. Faulty brakes and excessive speed were blamed for the incident, highlighting the urgent need for stricter vehicle inspections in pilgrimage transport services.

6. February 27: Mali Bus Accident

In Mali, a bus plunged off a bridge into a river, leaving 36 people dead. This tragic accident was attributed to driver error and inadequate infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need for improved road and bridge safety standards in West Africa.

5. November 4: Bus Plunges into Ditch in Uttarakhand Killing 38

A tragic accident in Uttarakhand claimed the lives of at least 38 people when an overcrowded bus plunged into a 50m-deep ditch in Almora’s Marchula.

The bus, traveling from Garhwal in the Himalayan region to Ramnagar, was carrying about 60 passengers, far exceeding its capacity of 42.

4. August 23: Tanahun Gorge Plunge, Nepal

A bus carrying Indian tourists veered off a mountainous road in Nepal’s Tanahun district and plunged into a gorge. The accident claimed 41 lives, leaving only two survivors. The overcrowded bus and treacherous road conditions were identified as key factors in this deadliest bus accident in Nepal.

3. December 21: Brazil Bus Crash

A tragic accident occurred in Brazil when a bus traveling from Sao Paulo to Bahia was struck by a granite block that fell from a truck, causing the bus to burst into flames. The incident claimed 41 lives, making it one of the deadliest bus accidents of the year.

2. March 28: Mmamatlakala Bus Crash, South Africa

The deadliest bus accident of 2024 occurred in Mmamatlakala, South Africa, where a bus plunged off a bridge and caught fire. This horrific incident claimed 45 lives, leaving an eight-year-old girl as the sole survivor. Investigations revealed that the driver had lost control of the vehicle.

1. December 29: Ethiopia Truck Accident

Although not a bus accident, this tragedy deserves mention due to its devastating death toll. A truck packed with passengers plunged into a river in the Bona district of the Sidama region, killing at least 71 people, including 68 males and 3 females. The lack of safety measures for vehicles carrying passengers and poor road conditions were cited as key factors in this horrific accident. 

Also Read: Kurla Bus Accident: Brake Failure or System Meltdown?

Reforms and Lessons for Improved Bus Safety

The deadliest bus accidents in the world in 2024 underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to enhance road safety. Key measures include:

• Improved Vehicle Maintenance: Regular inspections for brakes, tires, and other critical components.
• Enforcing Passenger Limits: Preventing overloading to minimize accident severity.
• Driver Training and Monitoring: Programs focused on safe driving practices and fatigue management.
• Advanced Safety Technologies: GPS tracking, automatic braking systems, and fatigue detection devices.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Better road quality, protective barriers, and clear signage.
• Bridge Road Safety: Stronger structures, side barriers, and improved lighting.
• Stricter Traffic Enforcement: Curbing reckless driving through stricter laws.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating passengers and drivers about road safety.

By implementing these reforms, global stakeholders can work toward making public transport safer and reducing the frequency of such tragic incidents.