Algerian referee Merouane Kasmi among 18 victims of bus tragedy

A bus crash in Algiers has claimed the life of respected football referee Merouane Kasmi, who was among 18 people killed when the vehicle veered off a bridge and plunged into the Oued El Harrach river.

Twenty-four others were left injured in the devastating accident.

Kasmi, aged 40, was a well-regarded official within Algerian football, having built a reputation for integrity and discipline over the course of his career.

His death has left the nation’s sporting community in mourning.

In a tribute published on its official website, the Algiers Regional Football League praised Kasmi’s character and contribution to the game.

A man of integrity, known for his seriousness and discipline, the statement read. We express our deep sadness and extend our most sincere condolences to his family.

Kasmi began his refereeing career in 2006 and steadily worked his way through the ranks.

A decade later, he received his federal badge in 2016, a milestone that allowed him to officiate at the top level of Algerian football.

While he presided over several Ligue 1 fixtures, he was more frequently seen in Ligue 2, where his consistent performances and professionalism earned the respect of players, coaches and colleagues alike.

The accident has sparked an outpouring of grief across Algeria, with football clubs, refereeing bodies and fans paying tribute to Kasmi’s service to the sport.

For many within the footballing community, his sudden passing represents not only the loss of an experienced referee but also the loss of a mentor figure to younger officials aspiring to follow his path.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the accident, which unfolded when the passenger bus skidded before plunging from the bridge into the river below.

Rescue teams were deployed immediately, but the scale of the tragedy has left the nation in shock.

Kasmi’s colleagues have remembered him not just for his officiating skills but for his quiet dedication to football.

Known for his measured handling of matches, he earned a reputation for fairness and calm authority on the pitch.

His career, cut short in such devastating circumstances, leaves behind a legacy of professionalism in Algerian refereeing.

As families of the victims mourn their loved ones, the Algerian football community stands united in grief for one of its own.

For Kasmi, who dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the game, his passing is a painful reminder of life’s fragility and the enduring mark left by those who serve their sport with integrity.

Do you want me to also prepare a short obituary-style version (around 200 words) focusing solely on Kasmi’s life and refereeing career for use in tributes?