Twenty-Six Dead in Moroccan Bus Accident

Acording to Moroccan civil defense officials at least 26 people died on Tuesday when a bus skidded into a river during a heavy rain storm.

The crash occurred near Bouznika, south of the capital of Rabat, the official news agency Maghreb Arab Presse reported. The bus was traveling between Mohammedia and Bouznika when it fell into the Cheguig River.

The casualties included three people who died of injuries after being pulled from the bus and one whose body was swept downstream and later recovered.

King Mohammed VI announced he would pay the funeral expenses of those who died in the crash and cover hospital expenses for the survivors.

Morocco has been hit unusually heavy rain. In Casablanca, more than 7 inches fell in 24 hours.