Tragedy on the Rails: Train Collision in Giza Claims 7 Lives, Injures 114

A devastating collision between two trains occurred on Sunday in the village of al-Reqqa, located in the al-Ayyat district of Giza Governorate. The incident involved trains operating on the Giza-Fayoum and Cairo-Aswan lines, leading to several carriages derailing and resulting in significant casualties.

State authorities responded swiftly to the aftermath, with emergency services working to transport the injured to hospitals. The accident has prompted reactions from both the House of Representatives and the Presidency. Upon notification, police commanders, executive officials, and investigative personnel were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation. A security cordon was established to facilitate rescue and evacuation efforts.

Details of the Collision

The Egyptian National Railways Authority confirmed that train #134, named “Tahya Misr” and traveling from Giza to Fayoum, collided with the rear of train No. 2010, which was en route from Cairo to Aswan. The collision took place between the Kafr Ammar and al-Reqqa stations. The impact caused multiple carriages to derail, leading to fatalities and injuries among passengers. Train traffic was disrupted in both directions along the affected line.

The Authority has deployed emergency teams and cranes to clear the wreckage, remove damaged carriages, and work towards restoring normal operations on the Cairo–High Dam line.

Casualties and Response

Minister of Health and Population, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, ordered an elevated state of readiness across all healthcare facilities in Giza and Beni Suef governorates to provide necessary medical care and emergency services to the injured. Seventy-two ambulances were involved in the transport and evacuation operations. The total number of injured has reached 114, with seven confirmed fatalities. All cases are currently under the purview of the Public Prosecution. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the condition of the injured and offering comprehensive medical care, extending condolences to the victims' families.

An official source from the Ministry of Transport reported that the driver of train No. 134, “Tahya Misr,” died as a result of the collision.

Officials at the Scene and Support

Transport Minister Kamel al-Wazir and Giza Governor Ahmed Rashed were present at the accident site. Minister of Social Solidarity Maya Morsy directed the Central Administration for Social Protection to coordinate with the Giza Directorate of Social Solidarity and the Egyptian Red Crescent to provide support and relief interventions.

Investigations and Parliamentary Inquiry

Security forces secured the collision site to ensure the smooth operation of rescue and recovery efforts. Preliminary inquiries and eyewitness interviews are underway to determine the causes of the accident. MP Sanaa al-Saeed submitted a parliamentary inquiry to the Speaker of the House, addressed to the Prime Minister and the Transport Minister, questioning the efficiency of the Egyptian National Railways’ systems and adherence to safety protocols. She emphasized that railway sector development should prioritize citizen safety.

Compensation and Presidential Intervention

The Chairman of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), Islam Azzam, instructed the “Insurance Pool for Railway and Metro Accident Risks” to expedite compensation procedures for the victims' families. The compensation amount for death or permanent total disability has been exceptionally increased from LE 30,000 to LE 50,000.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is closely monitoring the situation, offering condolences, and has instructed state authorities to provide medical care, conduct an urgent investigation, and hold negligent parties accountable.