Traffic accident involving Russian nationals in Egypt

PRESS RELEASE

On the 8 January, there was a traffic accident involving Russian tourists, who were returningfrom a tour, in the Sinai Peninsula, on a section of the road from St. Catherine's Monastery in Dabah, 150 km to the north of Sharm el-Sheikh. As a result of a mechanical fault and the overturning of a minivan carrying our compatriots, one person died, two were seriously injured, seven received light wounds. The victims were taken to the Pyramid Hospital in Sharm el-Sheikh.

The consular department of the Russian Embassy in Egypt is maintaining close contacts with the tour operators and insurance companies to provide Russian nationals with all necessary assistance.

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its condolences to the family and friends of the dead Russian, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

Unfortunately, we have to state that this tour was not well-organised and in fact,was organised in violation of multiple recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Russian tourists in Egypt not to leave resort areas. Besides that, those who suffered in this traffic accident used a car, whose driver had no license to carry foreign tourists. To that end, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is forced to confirm again its well-known recommendations for Russian tourists, who are in or who are going to Egypt.

9 January 2014