Two passenger trains collided in Egypt on Sunday, November 8, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 100 others.
The crash occurred in the Al-Ayyat district of Giza province, south of Cairo. One train traveling from Giza to Fayoum struck the rear of another passenger train heading from Cairo to Aswan.
The collision derailed several carriages and triggered an emergency response. Authorities initially reported four deaths and 88 injuries. However, subsequent updates raised the death toll to seven and the number of injured passengers to more than 100.
Egypt train collision derails several carriages
The Egyptian railway authority confirmed that the crash involved two passenger services traveling along the country’s railway network.
According to officials, the Giza-to-Fayoum train struck the rear of the Cairo-to-Aswan service. Several carriages derailed following the impact.
Emergency workers arrived at the scene to assist passengers and transport injured people to nearby hospitals.
The Health Ministry also directed medical facilities in the surrounding areas to increase their readiness and provide treatment to those affected.
Emergency crews respond to the crash
Rescue teams, ambulances and cranes were deployed to the accident site.
Local residents also helped emergency workers during the rescue operation. Meanwhile, railway officials began clearing the damaged carriages to restore train services.
The collision disrupted rail operations along the Cairo-to-Upper Egypt route. Authorities arranged alternative transportation for passengers affected by the disruption.
President orders investigation
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
He also directed government agencies to provide medical care to injured passengers and ensure that anyone found responsible for negligence faces accountability.
Meanwhile, prosecutors began examining the circumstances of the accident to establish what caused the trains to collide.
Authorities have not yet announced a final determination of the cause.
Egypt’s railway safety concerns return to focus
The latest collision has renewed attention on railway safety in Egypt.
The country operates one of Africa’s largest railway networks, which serves millions of passengers. However, the system has experienced several deadly accidents over the years.
One of the country’s worst railway disasters occurred in 2002, when a fire aboard an overcrowded passenger train killed hundreds of people.
Although Egypt has invested in modernizing its transportation infrastructure, concerns about railway maintenance and safety have continued.
For now, investigators are working to establish what led to Sunday’s collision as emergency teams continue responding to its aftermath.
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Source: Reuters, Associated Press, Ahram Online
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