Catastrophic train collision results in fatalities and injuries in Egypt once again
Train Crash in Egypt Leaves Several Dead and Dozens Injured
In a tragic turn of events, a train crash occurred along Egypt's Mediterranean coast between Alexandria and Marsa Matruh, claiming at least three lives and injuring more than 50 people. The accident happened on a stretch of the country's aging railway network, which spans approximately 10,000 kilometers, making it one of the oldest in Africa and the Middle East.
The Egyptian National Railway (ENR) and the Egyptian Transport Ministry, led by H.E. Ltd. Gen. Kamel Al Wazir, are the key authorities responsible for improving the maintenance and modernization of Egypt's railway infrastructure. However, the condition of the network, including trains and tracks, is often neglected, with long-overdue repairs delayed.
According to initial reports, the train derailment may have been caused by a dip along the tracks. Photos from the scene show two carriages of the train in a ditch after the accident. Thirty ambulances were swiftly deployed to treat the injured and transport them to hospitals.
In 2002, Egypt witnessed a major train accident that resulted in over 360 fatalities due to a fire on a train (dpa). This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for improvements in the railway network's safety and maintenance.
Inadequate training of train personnel is sometimes cited as a cause of accidents on Egypt's railway network. The Ministry of Health described the incident as a "tragic accident," emphasizing the urgent need for action to ensure the safety of passengers.
As the authorities investigate the cause of the accident, the focus will undoubtedly shift towards implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The safety and well-being of Egypt's citizens must remain a top priority for all involved in the management and maintenance of the country's railway network.
