Minya, Egypt — In the early hours of Sunday morning, the tranquility of southern Egypt was shattered when a locomotive collided with the rear of a Cairo-bound passenger train in Minya province, a region 270 kilometers south of the capital. The force of the impact caused two railway carriages to derail and plunge into an adjacent canal, creating a scene of chaos and urgency.
Passengers aboard the train described moments of sheer panic as the collision sent shockwaves through the carriages. “We felt a massive jolt, and suddenly everything was in disarray,” recounted Ahmed Hassan, a traveler heading to Cairo. “People were screaming, and some were thrown from their seats.”
Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident. The Health Ministry reported that at least 20 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of injuries ranging from minor bruises to more severe trauma. Tragically, local media outlet Cairo 24 confirmed that the body of one victim has been recovered from the wreckage.
The railway authority has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collision, which remains unclear. Speculation among officials suggests possible human error or mechanical failure, but no definitive conclusions have been reached. The incident has raised concerns about railway safety standards in the country.
Families of the passengers have begun gathering at train stations and hospitals, seeking information about their loved ones. Social media platforms are abuzz with expressions of sympathy and calls for accountability. “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families,” said Layla Mahmoud, a resident of Minya. “We rely on these trains every day; safety must be a priority.”
This accident adds to a series of rail incidents in Egypt over the past years, highlighting the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and improved safety protocols. As the nation grapples with this latest tragedy, there is a collective call for action to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The authorities have not yet announced any disruptions to train services between Minya and Cairo, but passengers are advised to check for updates before traveling. Support services have been established to assist those affected by the accident.
(With input from agencies)
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
