Train collision near Egypt's Giza leaves seven dead, over 100 injured

International

A TRAIN train collision near Egypt’s Giza city has killed at least seven people and injured more than 100, prompting an emergency response and a presidential order for an investigation into the circumstances behind the crash.

The collision occurred in Al-Ayyat, south of Cairo, when a train travelling from Giza to Fayoum struck the rear of another passenger service bound for Aswan, which was stationary on the tracks, according to the railway authority.

The impact sent several carriages off the tracks and down an embankment. Images from the scene showed overturned and severely damaged train compartments, as rescue efforts got underway to reach passengers trapped inside the wreckage.

The driver of one of the trains was among those killed, the health ministry confirmed.

Egypt’s public prosecutor’s office warned that the death toll could rise as authorities continued to assess the aftermath of the crash.

Hospitals across the area were placed “on heightened alert” to accommodate the large number of casualties. Health Minister Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said injured passengers were being treated for various injuries, including broken bones and head trauma.

The Egyptian Red Crescent also provided emergency assistance and psychological support to victims and their families at the scene.

President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi said he had instructed relevant state agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and ensure accountability.

“I investigate the circumstances of the accident, and hold accountable anyone found to have been negligent”, he said in a BBC report.

Rail services connecting Giza with Egypt’s Upper Egypt region were suspended following the crash. Cranes were dispatched to remove the wreckage, although the railway authority has yet to announce how long the clearance operation would take.

The collision happened between Kafr Ammar and Al-Raqqa stations in Al-Ayyat, near the site of Egypt’s deadliest railway disaster, which occurred in February 2002. A fire engulfed a passenger train travelling from Cairo to Luxor, killing more than 370 people according to official figures, although some estimates placed the death toll considerably higher.

Two other train crashes in the area in 2009 also claimed dozens of lives.

The latest disaster prompted calls on Sunday for the transport minister to resign, as questions over railway safety resurfaced.

Condolences and messages of support also came from foreign officials. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry expressed its “solidarity” with Egypt and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Turkey’s ambassador to Egypt also posted a message on X, extending “heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy” to the victims, their families and the Egyptian people.(MyTVCebu)