Cairo: At least four people were killed and 88 others injured after a train collision caused several passenger carriages to derail in Egypt's Giza Governorate, the country's Ministry of Health and Population announced on Sunday.
According to the ministry's latest preliminary figures, the accident occurred near the Gerza junction in the Al Ayyat district of Giza, along the Cairo-Aswan agricultural road.
Egypt's National Railways Authority said the accident involved Train No. 134, travelling from Giza to Fayoum, and Train No. 2010, travelling from Cairo to Aswan. The collision occurred between Kafr Ammar and Al Riqqa stations when the first train struck the rear of the second, causing several carriages to derail.
The Health Ministry said 72 ambulances were deployed to the scene to evacuate the victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Of the 88 injured, 49 were taken to Al Wasta Hospital, 29 to Al Ayyat Hospital and 10 to Atfih Hospital.
The ministry added that two of the deceased were transferred to Al Wasta Hospital and one to Atfih Hospital, while another body remained at the accident site at the time of the statement.
Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar is closely monitoring the response to the accident and has ordered all health facilities in Giza and Beni Suef governorates to raise their readiness levels and provide the necessary medical and emergency assistance to the injured.
Meanwhile, the National Railways Authority deployed emergency teams and railway cranes to remove the damaged carriages and restore train services along the affected railway line.
Egyptian authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the collision.
The Health Ministry said medical teams were continuing to monitor the condition of the injured and provide necessary treatment, while extending condolences to the families of the victims.
