Seven die as two trains collide in Egypt

At least seven people have died and over 100 others were injured following a devastating train collision near Giza, Egypt. Railway officials stated that the two trains were moving southbound from Giza and Cairo when they collided, causing several carriages to derail and plummet down a slope. The first train, en route from Giza to Fayoum, crashed into the stationary rear of another train heading from Cairo to Aswan.

Pictures from the scene revealed upturned and severely damaged carriages, as emergency responders, passengers, and onlookers scrambled to locate survivors and treat the wounded. Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Egypt's health minister, disclosed that numerous victims were battling broken bones and head traumas, while the driver of one of the trains was among those who perished.

The government promptly placed hospitals in the affected region on high alert to manage the substantial number of casualties. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directed authorities to investigate the incident and punish those responsible for any negligence. The public prosecutor warned that the death toll might escalate. The Egyptian Red Crescent offered medical aid and emotional support to the victims and their families at the site.

Train services between Giza and the Upper Egypt region were halted, and cranes were mobilized to clear the debris. The tragic accident took place between Kafr Ammar and Al-Raqqa stations in Al-Ayyat, a region notorious for prior deadly train incidents. Egypt's deadliest train disaster occurred in February 2002, when a fire engulfed a passenger train traveling from Cairo to Luxor, claiming over 370 lives.

The recent catastrophe has ignited demands for the transport minister's resignation, and foreign governments and diplomats have extended condolences and solidarity to Egypt.