Fatal Train Collision in Giza Province, Egypt

In a tragic incident on Sunday, two trains collided in Egypt, southeast of Cairo, resulting in the loss of seven lives and injuring at least 125 people, based on a statement from the Chief Prosecutor’s office.

The unfortunate event occurred in the al-Ayyat district of Giza province, about 52 kilometers from Cairo. A train traveling to Fayoum province struck the rear of another train heading towards Aswan province. The incident involved the collision of the Giza-Fayyoum train with a stationary Cairo-Aswan train, according to the Transportation Ministry.

The Health Ministry reported that over 70 of the injured received treatment and were later discharged. Among the deceased was the conductor of one of the trains.

Witnesses from Kafr Girza, including resident Ayman Gamal, described the scene as they rushed to aid passengers, pulling survivors from the wreckage and summoning ambulances. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities where they were treated for their injuries. Survivors described a scene filled with shock and confusion, struggling with the dust and debris from the crash.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has called for an immediate investigation into the collision. Emergency response teams, along with cranes, were deployed to manage the wreckage and expedite the restoration of train services.

Mismanagement and lack of maintenance have plagued Egypt’s railway system historically. This incident underscores the ongoing issues with safety in the rail network. Egypt’s deadliest train disaster occurred in 2002 when a fire killed over 300 people on a train traveling from Cairo to southern Egypt.