Egyptian authorities have ordered the detention of the driver whose truck was involved in a crash with a tour bus, killing eight American tourists and injuring 21 other passengers, the Associated Press reported.
The accident took place early Sunday morning when the tour bus slammed into a truck parked on the side of the road as it was on its way to the ancient site of Abu Simbel in southern Egypt, the AP reported.
Cairo-based Misr Sinai Tours has been widely reported as the operator that was running the coach tour involved in the crash. Travel Weekly's attempts to reach the operator have been unsuccessful.
The attorney general's office in Aswan, Egypt, ordered a four-day detention of the truck driver pending further investigation. The driver of the tour bus is currently in intensive care, according to the AP.
The U.S. Embassy in Cairo released a statement that it is "deeply saddened by the traffic accident." It confirmed that those requiring medical attention have been moved by military transport to Cairo, and that it has mobilized staff to identify and assist the Americans involved in the crash.
"Consular services are being provided to assist any American citizens and their families who have been affected," the Embassy stated.
Ronen Paldi, owner of Portland, Ore.-based Ya'lla Tours USA which offers tours to Egypt, noted that Egypt's roads can be dangerous.
He said that he personally speaks to each tour guide and bus driver he uses in order to make sure they are well-trained and well compensated.
Ya'lla Tours USA was not involved in this accident.