The village of Bustan in Damietta governorate remains under a pall of grief following the tragic death of five girls during a celebratory outing for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
The incident occurred when a horse-drawn cart carrying 11 girls on a traditional festive tour overturned inside an irrigation canal. Locals rushed to rescue the children, but their efforts were in vain. The accident resulted in the deaths of five girls and injuries to two others, who were taken to Damietta General and Specialty hospitals for necessary treatment.
Rescue teams managed to retrieve four bodies in the initial hours, with the fifth body found later. The village witnessed solemn funerals attended by hundreds of residents from Bustan and surrounding villages, amidst an atmosphere of weeping and sorrow for the girls who had hoped to enjoy a fun time away from their daily routine.
Social media users shared poignant footage of the funeral processions, showing the victims' families in a state of utter collapse. One mother was seen clutching her daughter's clothes and crying bitterly, while the brother of one of the girls called out to her, unable to believe in her loss during the holiday's first days.
According to accounts from locals, the cart's driver was speeding recklessly, causing the cart to skid, lose control, and fall into the water canal. The depth of the water and the speed of the overturn prevented the villagers from saving all the children.
Security authorities continue their efforts to investigate the circumstances of the accident. The cart's driver has been summoned for questioning, and witnesses have been interviewed to determine the exact causes of the disaster that claimed the lives of five girls aged between 10 and 12, according to local newspapers.
