An Egypt train crash near the city of Giza has left at least seven people dead and more than 100 others injured. The collision occurred when a train traveling from Giza to Fayoum struck a stationary service heading south from Cairo to Aswan. Emergency responders are currently managing a massive influx of patients at local hospitals as authorities launch a formal investigation into the cause of the derailment. Local officials have already begun securing the wreckage site to facilitate the ongoing probe into the collision's origins.
Details of the collision and derailment
The collision took place in the area between the Kafr Ammar and Al-Raqqa stations in Al-Ayyat. According to the Egyptian railway authority, two trains traveling south from Giza and Cairo collided, which caused several carriages to derail and fall down an embankment. The mechanics of the crash involved the first train, which was traveling from Giza toward Fayoum, striking the rear of a second service that was stationary on the tracks while heading toward Aswan.
The impact resulted in significant structural damage to the rolling stock. Images from the scene depicted overturned carriages, with reports indicating that at least one body appeared to have been split in two. The ministry confirmed that the driver of one of the involved trains was among the casualties. Due to the wreckage, all train services between Giza and the Upper Egypt region have been suspended while cranes are utilized to clear the tracks. The railway authority has not yet provided a timeline for when service might resume.
Emergency response and medical status
Medical facilities in the vicinity of the crash site have been placed on heightened alert to manage the large number of casualties. Egypt's health minister, Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, stated that victims are currently receiving treatment for various injuries, specifically noting cases of broken bones and head injuries. The public prosecutor's office has issued a warning that the current death toll could rise as more victims are processed.
The Egyptian Red Crescent is active at the scene, providing direct aid and psychological support to both the victims and their families. The scale of the emergency response was highlighted by images showing responders searching through the overturned carriages for survivors. The following table summarizes the reported impact of the accident:
| Category | Reported Status |
|---|---|
| Confirmed Fatalities | At least 7 |
| Injured Persons | More than 100 |
| Primary Injuries | Broken bones, head injuries |
| Service Status | Suspended (Giza to Upper Egypt) |
Government investigation and political reaction
President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi has ordered state authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He stated that the government must "investigate the circumstances of the accident, and hold accountable anyone found to have been negligent". This directive comes amid growing domestic pressure, as calls for the transport minister to resign emerged on Sunday following the disaster.
The accident has reignited concerns regarding rail safety in the region, particularly given the proximity to the site of a major historical tragedy. The current crash occurred near the location of the February 2002 disaster, where a fire on a Cairo-to-Luxor train killed more than 370 people, though some estimates suggested a higher figure. The recurrence of such accidents in this corridor has intensified the scrutiny on the country's transport infrastructure.
International diplomatic responses
The incident has drawn condolences from several international entities. The Saudi Arabian ministry of foreign affairs expressed solidarity with Egypt and wished for a speedy recovery for those injured. Additionally, Turkey's ambassador to Egypt utilized X to extend "heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathy" to the victims, their families, and the Egyptian people.