Grim images are leaving Egypt today as emergency responders answer the call of a train collision in Alexandria. Currently, reports from Egypt's Health Ministry have counted at least 40 fatalities. Rescuers have also counted at least 133 injured in the wreckage. Investigators are thoroughly combing through the scene looking for clues as to what may have caused this deadly incident. Egypt has a history of train crashes, but this is the deadliest one in many years.
The Crash
Reports from the state news agency Al-Ahram said that two trains collided at a station in the district of Khorshid near the seaside city of Alexandria.
One train was coming in from Cairo, and the other was heading in from Port Said. The fatal accident occurred when the Cairo train rammed into the back of the train from Port Said, which was stationary.
Transport ministry officials are now speculating that the incident was caused by a malfunction in the Port Said train, causing it to come to a halt. The results were catastrophic, leaving at least 40 people dead and 133 injured. Over 75 emergency vehicles showed up to the scene of the incident to transport the wounded to local hospitals.
Firsthand Accounts
Survivors immediately took to social media to share images of the crash. Many described the incident as being shocking.
Moumen Youssef reported to Reuters that the train was traveling at fast speeds when he was suddenly thrust onto the floor.
"When we came out, we found four train cars crushed and a lot of people on the ground," Youssef said.
Witnesses said that civilians rushed to the scene to help the injured passengers. Many brought tools such as welding equipment to help free people who may have been stuck under the wreckage.
Water and sugar were provided by local women, and several men used their trucks to help clear out some of the debris.
Public Transportation
This fatal incident has reignited national anger over the country's poor Public Transportation System.
The deadliest public transportation incident to ever occur in Egypt happened in 2002. A fire erupted in an overcrowded train, killing 373 people.
In 2012, at least 47 children were killed or seriously injured when a train hit their school bus.
In 2013, a train derailed, leaving 17 people dead. This train was carrying military conscripts.
Later in 2013, a train collided with another bus near Cairo. This incident left 27 people dead. The bus passengers were returning to the city from a wedding when the train slammed into them.
In response to today's accident, President Sisi has promised financial compensation to the families of the victims. He has also stated that a full investigation will be underway. In the past, the Egyptian government has made investigations, but has failed to make the proper changes that would ensure the safety of passengers.
This is the first fatal train accident to occur under President Sisi's watch. Time will quickly tell if he pushes for any changes to be made to Egypt's public transportation system.
