At least seven killed and 112 injured in major Egypt train collision near Cairo

A train collision south of Cairo resulted in the deaths of seven people and injuries to over 100 others, according to authorities. Egypt's railway authority reported that a train from Giza to Fayoum collided with the rear of another service heading south from Cairo to Aswan. The health ministry disclosed that 112 people required medical attention, with injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures and chest injuries.

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed concern over the incident and ordered a swift investigation to hold accountable any negligent parties. Witnesses recounted chaotic rescue efforts following the collision, with villagers, first responders, and railway workers rushing to aid trapped passengers. One witness, Abdel Wahed Mohamed, witnessed the Aswan-bound train stopping, while the Fayoum-bound train crashed into it, causing six carriages to overturn.

Another witness, Ahmed Moussa, described rescuers having to dig beneath the overturned carriage to reach trapped individuals, including two women. The aftermath of the crash left several overturned carriages strewn across the tracks and surrounding farmland, with heavy machinery deployed to right the overturned vehicles. Rescue efforts continued into the evening, with local authorities receiving criticism for delays due to inadequate transport infrastructure in the area.

Egypt, heavily reliant on its extensive rail network, has faced numerous deadly accidents over the past two decades, despite billions spent on upgrading its transport infrastructure.