Egypt was plunged into mourning on Friday, August 30, 2025, after a tragic train accident in Matrouh claimed three lives and left more than 100 people injured. The Egyptian Ministry of Health confirmed that the derailment of train No. 1935, which was traveling from the coastal city of Marsa Matrouh to Alexandria, occurred at around 3:30 p.m. between Fouka and Galal stations. Seven carriages derailed after the tracks subsided, with two of them overturning in the desert stretch.
The accident triggered a massive emergency response, with hospitals across Matrouh and nearby governorates placed on high alert. More than 50 ambulances were rushed to the scene, ferrying the injured to multiple health facilities for urgent care. By the evening hours, the Ministry of Health confirmed that 87 of the 103 people injured had been treated, stabilized, and discharged. The remaining victims continue to receive medical attention, with doctors closely monitoring those in critical condition.
Swift Government Response
Egypt’s Minister of Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, traveled immediately to the accident site, where he inspected the derailed carriages and supervised rescue efforts. He announced the formation of a high-level technical committee tasked with investigating the precise causes of the derailment. “There will be accountability. Anyone found to be negligent will face immediate dismissal and possible prosecution,” El-Wazir told reporters at the site, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring rail safety.
In addition to the investigation, an emergency operations unit has been established to oversee the ongoing response, monitor the condition of the injured, and coordinate with local authorities. Teams remain on standby to ensure no passengers remain trapped or unaccounted for in the affected carriages. Search-and-rescue operations were extended late into the night, with heavy equipment deployed to stabilize the derailed compartments and clear the tracks.
Public Outcry Over Rail Safety
The derailment has reignited national debate about the safety of Egypt’s railway network, one of the oldest in Africa and the Middle East but often plagued by accidents. Official statistics show that in 2024 alone, Egypt recorded 220 railway accidents, resulting in at least 57 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Many of these incidents have been attributed to outdated infrastructure, human error, and inadequate maintenance.
For decades, successive governments have pledged to modernize the railway system, which transports millions of passengers annually, particularly during the summer months when travel between major cities intensifies. While billions of Egyptian pounds have been invested in upgrading signaling systems and rail tracks, Friday’s accident highlighted the continuing vulnerabilities of the network.
Local media outlets reported frustration among citizens, many of whom took to social media to question why derailments remain common despite recent investments in rail modernization. “We hear of plans and reforms, but accidents still happen, costing lives,” one Alexandria resident lamented in a widely shared Facebook post.
Survivors’ Accounts
Witnesses described the moment of terror when the train derailed in the remote desert area. Passengers reported a sudden jolt, followed by the sound of screeching metal as carriages went off the tracks. “People were screaming, bags were flying, and then the carriage tilted,” said one survivor, who sustained minor injuries. Another passenger recounted that those seated near the overturned carriages were trapped until rescuers arrived with cutting equipment.
The quick deployment of ambulances and medical teams helped prevent higher fatalities, according to health officials. “The response was immediate. Without the rapid evacuation, the toll could have been worse,” said a Matrouh hospital director who oversaw emergency admissions.
National Mourning and Official Statements
In Cairo, senior government officials expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The Ministry of Health assured the public that no effort would be spared in caring for the injured. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has not yet issued a formal statement, but sources within the presidency indicated that he has been briefed on the situation and directed authorities to expedite the investigation.
Parliamentarians have also demanded transparency in the inquiry, with calls for clear timelines on when findings will be made public. Opposition voices have stressed that accountability must extend beyond frontline workers to include policymakers responsible for rail oversight.
A Troubled History of Rail Accidents
Egypt’s railway network, first built in the 19th century, has long been considered a vital link between urban and rural communities. However, its troubled history of accidents has eroded public confidence. Some of the deadliest incidents include the 2002 Al-Ayyat disaster, where a fire on a packed passenger train killed more than 350 people, and the 2021 Sohag collision, which left at least 32 dead.
While the frequency of large-scale disasters has reduced in recent years, Friday’s derailment demonstrates that smaller accidents with significant casualties remain a persistent threat. Transport experts argue that comprehensive reforms—covering staff training, track modernization, and strict safety enforcement—are needed to restore trust in the system.
Looking Ahead
For now, the focus remains on supporting survivors and grieving families. Authorities continue to identify victims and ensure proper documentation of the injured. Funeral arrangements for the three deceased are expected to be supported by local officials, with compensation packages likely to be announced in the coming days.
The Transport Ministry has pledged to deliver a preliminary report from the investigative committee within weeks. Whether this latest tragedy will accelerate long-promised reforms or simply add to a long list of inquiries without lasting change remains to be seen.
As Egypt grapples with the aftermath of yet another railway disaster, the voices of citizens, experts, and victims’ families are growing louder in their demand for a safer, modernized rail system. For a country that prides itself on its long railway history, the need to safeguard lives on its tracks has never been more urgent.
