Trains collide in Zagazig, Egypt, leaving 2 dead and 29 injured

In Zagazig, Egypt, two passenger trains collided, resulting in at least two fatalities and nearly 30 injuries. The incident involved train No 281, which was en route from Zagazig to Ismailia, and train No 336, traveling from Mansoura to Zagazig. The crash prompted a swift response from emergency services, with over three dozen ambulances dispatched to transport the injured to local hospitals, including Al-Ahrar and Zagazig University hospitals. Train accidents are a recurring issue in Egypt, primarily due to an aging railway infrastructure and mismanagement. The government has acknowledged the need for significant investment to modernize the railway system, with President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi previously stating that approximately 250 billion Egyptian pounds would be required for a comprehensive overhaul. Images from the crash site depicted a chaotic scene, with bystanders and emergency personnel attempting to assist the injured. This incident follows a series of train-related accidents in Egypt, highlighting ongoing safety concerns within the railway network. Just last month, another train accident occurred in Alexandria, resulting in two deaths. The collision in Zagazig raises questions about the effectiveness of recent government initiatives aimed at improving railway safety. As investigations into the cause of the crash unfold, it is crucial for authorities to address the systemic issues plaguing the railway system to prevent future tragedies and ensure passenger safety.