At Least Seven Dead, Over 100 Injured in Egyptian Train Collision

Two passenger trains have collided near Al Ayyat, 73 km (45 miles) south of Giza in Egypt. According to the BBC, at least seven people were killed and more than 100 were injured. Among the dead is the driver of the train that was travelling from Giza to Fayoum.

How the collision happened

Following an inspection of the site and interviews with eyewitnesses, it was established that the Giza–Fayoum train rammed into the rear of a train running on the Cairo–Aswan line. The latter had stopped on the tracks. Both trains were travelling in the same direction, according to an official statement.

Fayoum lies about 100 km from Cairo, while Aswan is almost 900 km to the south.

Casualty figures

The final numbers of dead and injured are still being confirmed. Initial estimates point to seven deaths and 114 injured, although the latest information from Egypt's Health Ministry gives 112 injured.

Who rides these trains

Both services are used mainly by low-income passengers, for whom the train is one of the most affordable ways to get around the country. A ticket for the shorter route costs less than one dollar, and for the Aswan route less than ten dollars. Many passengers come from poorer communities and may not have smartphones, so photos, video and first-hand accounts of what happened may take longer to emerge.

International condolences

Several foreign officials have expressed sympathy for the victims. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry voiced solidarity with Egypt and wished the injured a swift recovery. Turkey's ambassador to Egypt wrote on the platform X that he offered sincere condolences to the victims, their families and the Egyptian people. The foreign ministries of Yemen and Jordan also conveyed their condolences.