Egypt Train Derailment Kills 3, Injures 94 Near Cairo

Deadly Train Accident in Northern Egypt

A passenger train derailment near Cairo has resulted in at least three fatalities and 94 injuries, according to Egyptian authorities. The incident occurred on August 30, 2025, when seven carriages of a train traveling from Matrouh on the Mediterranean coast to the Egyptian capital came off the tracks.

Emergency Response and Investigation

Emergency services deployed thirty ambulances to the scene to provide medical assistance to the injured. The Egyptian National Railways company has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the derailment. Preliminary reports suggest the accident happened in the al-Dabaa area of Marsa Matrouh Governorate.

Egypt's Railway Safety Challenges

This tragic incident highlights ongoing safety concerns within Egypt's railway system, which is one of the oldest in Africa and suffers from aging infrastructure and maintenance issues. The Egyptian railway network, first established in the 19th century, has struggled with safety standards despite government promises of modernization.

International Support for Improvements

In late 2023, the World Bank approved a $720 million loan to Egypt specifically for railway safety improvements. The funding was intended to address what the World Bank described as critical deficiencies in passenger safety and freight transportation capabilities. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had previously stated that over €7 billion would be needed for comprehensive railway reforms.

Historical Context of Railway Accidents

Egypt has experienced numerous railway accidents in recent years, with safety advocates pointing to corruption, negligence, and inadequate maintenance as contributing factors. The country's rail system handles one of the highest traffic densities globally but has consistently ranked poorly in safety assessments.