Train Goes Off Track in Egypt, Leaving Three Dead, 103 Injured

(MENAFN) A catastrophic passenger train derailment in Egypt's northern Matrouh province claimed three lives and wounded 103 people Saturday, according to Health Ministry officials.

The National Railways Authority reported the devastating accident struck approximately 3:30 pm local time when seven carriages of a Cairo-bound train from coastal Marsa Matrouh jumped the tracks, with two cars completely overturning.

Emergency response units mobilized immediately to clear debris and restore railway operations along the affected corridor. The Transport Ministry has launched a comprehensive investigation into the derailment's root cause while promising "a maximum penalty" for any individuals determined to be at fault.

Medical authorities documented a range of trauma injuries among survivors, including fractures, abrasions, lacerations and bruises, with the Health Ministry confirming that 87 wounded passengers received treatment and were subsequently released from hospital care.

Healthcare facilities throughout Matrouh and adjacent provinces were placed on emergency standby, with specialized medical response teams deployed to bolster capacity at hospitals treating crash victims.

Officials indicated additional information will be released as the ongoing investigation progresses.

The tragedy underscores persistent safety challenges despite Egypt's multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment program aimed at modernizing the nation's railway system, recognized as one of the Middle East's most established transportation networks.

Saturday's derailment adds to a troubling pattern of rail accidents that have plagued Egypt's aging transportation infrastructure, raising renewed questions about safety protocols and maintenance standards across the national railway network.

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