On August 30, a passenger train traveling from Marsa Matrouh to Alexandria derailed between Fouka and Galal stations, leaving three people dead and 103 injured, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Health. Seven carriages of Train No. 1935 came off the tracks due to reported ground subsidence, with two overturning in the desert stretch at around 3:30 p.m.
Emergency services responded swiftly, deploying more than 50 ambulances and placing hospitals across Matrouh and neighboring governorates on alert. By the evening, 87 of the injured had received treatment and were discharged, while others remained under medical supervision.
Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir visited the crash site and announced the creation of a technical committee to probe the derailment, promising strict accountability for negligence. Authorities also set up an emergency task force to coordinate relief and monitor victims’ conditions. Rescue teams continued combing the area late into the night in case of undiscovered casualties.
This disaster comes against the backdrop of Egypt’s chronic rail safety issues. Official data shows that in 2024 alone, the country witnessed at least 220 railway accidents, resulting in 57 deaths. Despite repeated pledges of reform and modernization, systemic weaknesses—ranging from poor infrastructure to inadequate safety protocols—continue to fuel public frustration.
The Matrouh derailment is not merely an isolated mishap but part of a troubling pattern, underscoring the urgent need for deeper structural reforms in Egypt’s railway sector.
