A tourist bus in Cairo, Egypt, exploded tonight, killing some of those on board. The blast was said to have happened in the south of the city in the Giza district, which is home to the world-famous pyramids. It is unknown who or how many people were on the bus. Russian state television channel Russia Today has tweeted: “Several people have been reported dead as well as wounded.” The pyramids are one of the world’s major tourist attractions, attracting almost 15 million visitors annually – is it still safe to visit?
Latest FCO advice
The FCO have yet to update their travel advice for Egypt. However, they have a detailed page on terrorism and also accidents in the country.
They say: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Egypt. Although most attacks occur in Northern Sinai, there is a risk of terrorist attacks across the country.
“You should avoid crowded places and gatherings (including in or around religious sites) during religious festivals or times of heightened tensions. Terrorist groups have sometimes called for attacks at these times.
“Take extra care over local holiday weekends, as some terrorist attacks have occurred during these times.
“You should follow the advice of the Egyptian authorities and your travel company, if you have one.
“The authorities in Egypt maintain a significant security presence across the country, including armed security officers stationed at important sites, critical infrastructure, and road checkpoints. Extra measures are in place at tourist sites.
“The Egyptian government’s counter-terrorism campaign has resulted in a reduction in the number of terrorist attacks on the Egyptian mainland since January 2015, although several attacks took place on the mainland in 2017.”
There is no suggestion as yet that the bus explosion is linked to terror. The BBC reports that a bomb hidden beside a wall went off as the bus carrying 14 Vietnamese tourists was passing, according to the Egyptian ministry of interior.
Advising on accidents in the country, the FCO write: “Accidents are common, mainly due to poor road conditions, dangerous driving and non-enforcement of traffic laws.
“Observe the speed limit and if possible avoid independent road travel outside main cities and resorts at night. Make sure you have adequate insurance.
“There have been a number of serious bus crashes in recent years with large numbers of fatalities, including tourists.”
Egypt’s interior ministry confirmed the bus had been carrying a party of tourists from Vietnam.
A statement issued shortly after the blast said two Vietnamese tourists had been killed and 12 others had been injured.
Ten of the people were also Vietnamese tourists, with the other two Egyptian nationals, including the bus driver, the ministry added.
The bus was hit by an explosion from an improvised device hidden near a wall on Marioutiya street at around 1815 (1615 GMT). Police are investigating, the statement said.
